Stags too hot for Madras

The Stags were back on league business last Saturday as they travelled to St Andrews to take on Madras. Once again the local side showed a number of changes. With Stirling back at prop Craig was switched to hooker and there were starts for Carrie and Stangoe. There was also the inclusion of Dalgleish playing out of position in the back row. Grangemouth started well and McInally grabbed a lineout ball in midfield before running 30 metres to the Madras 22. The forwards drove from the resulting lineout before releasing the ball to the backs. Sangster made a half break before passing to Stangoe to score under the posts. McInally added the conversion. Madras hit back and slick hands in the backs released their left winger who was only stopped by a last gasp tackle by Parsons. However Grangemouth were soon back on the attack. Sangster made a break in midfield but was tackled inside the Madras 22 and Carrie was unlucky to knock on as the ball was recycled. The Stags came even closer to score a couple of minutes later. Craig won a ball against the head in the scrum and quick hands by the backs released Risk but he was bundled into touch at the corner flag. Madras were unable to clear their lines and Grangemouth were able to add their second try. The forwards drove from a lineout and McFarlane was held just short. The ball was moved to the blindside where Jamieson slipped the ball to Craig who dived over for an unconverted score. From the kick off Parsons had a run and took play back up to the Madras 22. From the ruck Mncube broke blind before giving an inside pass to the supporting Craig to score his second try in as many minutes. Once again the kick was unsuccessful. Any thoughts that this was going to be an easy win were quickly dented as Madras hit back in fine style. Their backs moved the ball along the line and then switched the play back to the right for their winger to score in the corner. They almost scored another 5 minutes later after a missed tackle in the centre allowed the fullback to kick to the corner where Allan was able to clear. It was Grangemouth who scored the next try. Sangster kicked a penalty into the corner and from the lineout on the 5 metre line the forwards drove over with Mncube being credited with the score which McInally converted. In a frantic end to the half there were 3 trys in the closing 5 minutes. Firstly Sangster had a run and when the ball was recycled Jamieson plunged over from short range. Then Allan added a fine solo try as he picked up a loose ball in midfield before beating his man and outpacing the defence to score in the corner. Both scores were unconverted. Just on half time Madras added their second score when the backs worked a move to release the left winger who scored wide out. The kick was successful to leave the half time score Madras 12 Grangemouth 34.

Grangemouth were determined not to let their hosts back into the game and started the second period strongly. The forwards drove infield from a lineout and when the ball was switched to the blindside young DJ Innes was unable to hold on to the scoring pass. Madras moved back on to the attack and were rewarded with their third try which came from short range after several drives by the forwards. As the game moved into the last quarter the Stags increased their lead. From a scrappy lineout just outside the home 22 Mncube was quickest to react and he burst through the defence to score under the posts. McInally was on target with the conversion. Once again there was a flurry of scores at the end of the half. On 70 minutes Randalls collected the ball 30 metres out and the big man burst the first tackle to race in for his first score for the 1st XV. McInally again added the extra 2 points. Madras hit back again and moved the ball wide to score their bonus point try in the corner. However Grangemouth finished the game with two scores of their own. Firstly Dempsey collected a loose clearing kick and sidestepped the chasing player before beating the cover for an unconverted score in the corner. With the last play of the game good hands by the backs allowed Jamieson to pass to James Denny and the winger had enough space to beat the defence and score his first try for the senior side from 30 metres. Sangster added the conversion. Final score Madras 22 Grangemouth 60

His was an excellent team performance by the Stags and maintained their slender lead at the top of the table. McInally had a good game in the tight and the loose and flankers Dalgleish and Mncube were everywhere in attack and defence. Behind the pack Sangster controlled the game and kept the team playing in the right areas of the park. Next week the Stags travel to Blairgowrie for another league match. Please note the KO is 1.30 to allow the players and supporters to watch the Scotland v Ireland game.

The Stags have also been given a home semi final tie on the 31st March in the National Bowl competition against either Helensburgh or Lenzie. These sides play off their tie next Saturday.