Stags keep ahead at the top of the league

With the league season entering the last few games Grangemouth were back on the road last Saturday as they travelled to Blairgowrie determined to maintain their narrow lead at the top of the table. Once again the Stags showed a number of changes with Dempsey switching to scrum half to replace the injured McPherson and there were starts for Denny, Gowdy and Neill. Grangemouth started well and Neill had an early run before Sangster kicked a penalty into the corner. From the lineout the forwards drove over with Jamieson collecting the touchdown. The Stags continued to attack in the opening 10 minutes but too often passes went astray or the ball was turned over at the breakdown and they failed to increase their lead. Gradually Blairgowrie came more into the game but were unsuccessful with 2 long range penalty attempts at the end of the first quarter. The game became more scrappy and Dalgleish was given a yellow card for a dangerous tackle. Despite being a man down Grangemouth did manage to add try number 2 after 30 minutes. Once again Sangster kicked a penalty into the corner and from a three man lineout Dempsey spotted a gap in the home defence to cross for the score. McInally was on target with the conversion. The half finished with the home side on the attack and they opened their account with a penalty. Half time Blairgowrie 3 Grangemouth 12

The coaches had some strong words for the players at half time but the pattern of play continued in the second period with the home side defending well and the Stags making too many mistakes. Blairgowrie kicked their second penalty after 50 minutes to narrow the gap and had some pressure inside the Grangemouth 22. Finally midway through the half the Stags woke up and scored 3 quick trys to make the game safe. From a scrum in midfield McFarlane picked up and drove 10 metres before passing to Stangoe. The centre was brought down on the 22 and quick ball saw the play moved to the blindside where Parsons was on hand to dive over in the corner. The bonus point try came 5 minutes later courtesy of a brilliant individual effort from Dempsey. The scrum half nipped round the side of a ruck on halfway and raced up the touchline before cutting inside the fullback for an excellent try. McInally added the conversion. The Stags added try number 5 two minutes later. They ran a penalty inside the Blairgowrie 22 and when Dempsey was held just short Craig was on hand to use his strength to wrestle the ball over the line for the score. Again McInally was successful with the kick. The closing 15 minutes saw neither side add to the score to leave the final score Blairgowrie 6 Grangemouth 31.

A win and a bonus point is about all that can be taken from this game and Grangemouth know that this performance was not good enough and will have to improve for the upcoming games. The side lacked control and failed to dominate the breakdowns and were far to loose in attack and defence with passes failing to go to hand, poor kicking and missed tackles. St Andrews University also managed a bonus point win to leave the top of the table unchanged. And so, as always seemed likely, the game next Saturday becomes the league decider with winner takes all as the Stags travel to St. Andrews for a 3pm KO. The bus will leave the club at 11.30 and any supporters wishing to travel should contact Fred Rae.

The Stags will play Helensburgh in the National Bowl semi final at Glensburgh on 31 March after they won the West Bowl beating Lenzie 16 – 11