Stags Double Up Wins

After their fine victory over Glenrothes the previous week the Stags were back in action against another Fife side with Dunfermline making the trip to Glnsburgh. The sides had already played each other in the Shield a few weeks ago with Grangemouth grabbing a dramatic victory with a last minute try and conversion. Coach Deacons was able to field the same starting XV as the previous week with the only change to the squad the return of the fit again Harvey. The pitch was very heavy especially at the motorway end following all the rain during the week. Dunfermline kicked off and once again the Stags failed to deal with the kick. The visitors regained possession and the Stags were caught offside giving Dunfermline a simple kick for a very early lead. Grangemouth struggled in the opening period as they conceded numerous penalties allowing Dunfermline to dominate possession and territory. The Stags defence held firm but on 17 minutes the referee lost patience with the frequent penalties and Ward was given a yellow card for tackling a player after not retreating 10 metres at a tap penalty.Dunfermline were unable to break down the home defence despite the extra man and on 21 minutes Grangemouth broke from deep with Gemmell and Allan taking play up to the visitors 22. Dunfermline were penalised for offside in front of the posts and Skelton slotted a simple kick to tie the scores. With the home side restored to 15 the Stags began to dominate at the scrums and pinned Dunfermline inside their 22. After another dominant scrum one of the Dunfermline props was given a straight red card for referee abuse. Grangemouth looked for a try before the break but were unable to convert the pressure into points. HT Stags 3 Dunfermline 3

Grangemouth were back on the attack at the start of the second half. On 45 minutes a typical Stangoe run was carried on by Harvey. When the ball was recycled Skelton made a half break before passing back inside to the supporting Gemmell for the opening try. Skelton was on target with the conversion but was wide with a penalty attempt a few minutes later. Dunfermline continued to look dangerous with ball in hand and levelled the score on the hour mark. They drove through a lineout just outside the Stags 22 and some good interplay resulted in a converted score. From the kick off Grangemouth were back on the attack with Dunfermline struggling to clear their lines. A loose kick from the Dunfermline line was collected 35 metres out by Allan. For the second week in a row the winger weaved his way through several attempted tackles to run in under the posts. Skelton added the extras. With the game entering the closing 10 minutes the Stags looked for further scores. A dart by Ward took play into the the visitors 22. The forwards drove on and after several phases of play the ball was moved wide for Gemmell to slide in at the corner. This time the conversion was wide. Dunfermline tried to hit back and were unlucky not to score when they knocked on close to the line after some good off loading. The Stags cleared their lines and in the final minute they collected the bonus point score. The kicked a penalty to touch just inside the Dunfermline 22. For once the lineout worked perfectly and the pack drove on 10 metres. The ball was moved wide and Dempsey fired a long pass to Gemmell to run in at the corner to complete his hat trick. Skelton added the conversion. Stags 29 Dunfermline 10.

This was a hard fought victory for the Stags. Despite being a man down for the whole second half Dunfermline competed well and were unlucky not to add further trys. Grangemouth dominated the scrums but struggled for good ball at the lineout. The backs defended well and always looked dangerous with ball in hand. This week the Stags are again at home as league leaders Caithness make the long trip south. KO is 3pm.