Positive Start to Second Half of League Campaign

After a 5 week break for the Autumn Internationals, Grangemouth were back in league action last Saturday with Harris the visitors to Glensburgh. The Stags were looking for revenge after the Dundee side had won the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season. Grangemouth welcomed back Allan, Hind and Bell to the starting line up with Dempsey moving to fullback and McNab switching to hooker. Conditions were good for rugby and the Stags made a strong start. Skelton missed a penalty on 2 minutes but was successful with kicks on 5 and 8 minutes to open up a 6 point lead. On 10 minutes Grangemouth collected their first try. The ball was moved wide from a lineout on halfway with Allan coming into the line to open up the Harris defence. His well timed pass released Mowat and the young winger ran in from 30 metres to score in the corner. Skelton was unable to add the conversion. Grangemouth continued to dominate the opening quarter and Dempsey and Stangoe combined to create a half chance but the ball was knocked on and Harris were able to clear their lines. As the game entered the second quarter the visitors started to gain some territory and possession and were helped by frequent penalties at the breakdown by the home team. Harris pinned the Stags in their 22 and after a spell of pressure on the line the forwards drove over for an unconverted score. The closing minutes of the half saw Black receive a yellow card after further breakdown penalties but the Stags defence held out to the break .HT Stags 11 Harris 5

The Stags started the second half strongly. Kerry had a good run and then Harris were also reduced to 14 after receiving a yellow card for a high tackle. Soon after Grangemouth increased their lead with an individual effort from Skelton. The stand off sliced through the Harris defence before chipping the fullback and follwing through to touchdown under the posts. He duly added the simple conversion. The Stags continued to dominate and from a tap penalty close to the line Stangoe was held up just short. The ball was recycled and Harvey crashed over from short range. Once again Skelton was on target with the kick. The game became very loose as both sides made numerous handling errors. With 10 minutes to go Grangemouth did secure the bonus point with their 4th try. Depsey made the break and his inside pass found Stangoe in support to collect the score. Skelton added the extras. The closing 5 minutes saw the Stags add 2 further scores. Firstly Skelton made another break and this time he drew the fullback before passing inside to Denny who used his speed to race in from 30 metres. In the closing minute Harris dropped the ball in midfield. Allan picked up and outpaced the defence to run round under the posts. Skelton converted both scores for a personal total of 21 points. FT Stags 46 Harris 5.

This was a good all round performance by the Stags. The forwards provided a good supply of ball while the backs ran strongly throughout. Coach Deacons was happy with the overall performance and the fitness levels of the side. This week Grangemouth make the long trip north to take on Banff with a 2pm KO.