Roadtrip fails to produce the goods

With the weather causing the cancellation of the majority of matches in Scotland last Saturday it was a bit of a surprise that the Stags match away to Banff was able to go ahead. Conditions were difficult with a covering of snow on a soft pitch and a bitterly cold wind. Grangemouth made 4 changes from the previous week with Keigan, Stirling and Scott all starting while McNab was moved from hooker to wing forward. The opening exchanges were fairly even but on 5 minutes the home side took the lead. A missed tackle in the centre allowed the Banff player to break upfield before being tackled just inside the Stags 22. The home side were able to recycle the ball and after several drives by the forwards they were able to crash over for a converted score. Grangemouth hit back and levelled the scores on 10 minutes. They pinned the home side in their 22 and from a scrum 5 metres out number 8 Harvey was able to pick up and drive over. Skelton was on target with the conversion. The Stags continued to dominate possession but they made numerous handling errors and were unable to break down the Banff defence. As the game entered the second quarter Skelton slotted a penalty from 30 metres. Grangemouth then had a spell of pressure inside the Banff 22 but once again were denied by some solid defence and poor options. Banff survived this spell of pressure and were able to clear their lines. Then with the last kick of the half the home side kicked a penalty to tie the scores at the break. HT Banff 10 Stags 10.

The second half continued in a similar vein with the Stags having the majority of the possession but again making too many mistakes as they tried to unlock the Banff defence. Skelton kicked a second penalty on 50 minutes. Banff were rarely in the Grangemouth half but on the hour mark they were gifted a score. As the Stags attacked down the blindside Banff intercepted on the halfway line to scamper in under the posts for a converted try. The closing 15 minutes saw the Stags continue to press for a score. Skelton was wide with one kick before landing his 3rd successful penalty with 10 minutes to go to reduce the lead to 1 point. A few minutes later a long range attempt was just short before Banff were able to secure possession and play out the final couple of minutes to secure the victory. FT Banff 17 Stags 16.

This was a disappointing result for the Stags. The conditions certainly affected the performance with Grangemouth making too many handling errors and were unable to get their dangerous runners into the game. The set scrum was on top but the lineout remains a problem. Coach Deacons was left frustrated by the game as his team faied to adapt to the conditions and turn their possession into points. This week the Stags are back at home with near neighbours Alloa making the short trip to Glensburgh with KO 2pm.