Stags loss sets up Uni for league title

It was crunch time in St Andrews last Saturday as Grangemouth travelled to take on the University in a winner takes all league decider. Grangemouth made a couple of changes from the previous game with the return of McPherson at scrum half and Gowdy at centre. On a perfect day for rugby the Stags played up the slope in the first half. From the outset it was clear that the students intended to play a fast and open game and Grangemouth were soon under pressure. After 7 minutes the home centre made a nice break and his kick ahead was well covered by Parsons. A few minutes later a loose clearing kick by the Stags was run back from deep and St Andrews were back on the attack. From a lineout on the 22 the students hit up in the centre before moving the ball wide and the winger squeezed in at the corner for a well worked score. The conversion was successful. The Stags began to play more of the game in the St Andrews half and McInally was off target after 20 minutes with a penalty. Soon after the home centre made another break before being dragged down on the 22. When the ball went loose Parsons tidied up and burst through some tackles to take play back into the students half. The ball was recycled quickly but the chance was lost when the ball was dropped in midfield. The game continued at a frantic pace and Dempsey had to make a good cover tackle as the home winger burst up the touchline. Grangemouth then worked a back row move to release Mncube and when he was stopped McInally burst into the 22 but was unable to link up with his support and again St Andrews cleared. Just on half time St Andrews were back inside the Grangemouth 22 and from a scrum the ball was again moved wide to the left wing and when he was stopped short the forwards were able to drive over from short range. Half time 12 – 0

The second half started at the same pace and Mncube had to cover an early break by the students. Grangemouth then started to take some control of possession and Parsons was bundled into touch on the home 22 before Sangster missed a long range penalty. The Stags continued to attack but were unable to breakdown the students defence. St Andrews also missed a penalty as the game entered the final quarter. Craig had a run from deep and the move was carried on by Innes and Parsons but again the Stags were unable to convert the half chance. With time running out Dempsey was stopped just short of the line but for once St Andrews were unable to clear their line. From a scrum 10 metres out Neill picked up and gave a flat pass to Sangster who crashed over. McInally added the extra 2 points. There were still 10 minutes to go and it was game on with Grangemouth only needing one try to tie the game. However hopes were dashed 2 minutes later when St Andrews capitalised on a sloppy pass inside the Stags 22 and quick hands saw them over the line for a converted score. With 5 minutes to go St Andrews added their fourth try when the backs again handled well to take play into the Stags 22 before the forwards backed up for another converted score. Grangemouth did manage the final score of the game when Tucker took a tap penalty and barged over in the corner. Full time 26 – 12.

This was a very impressive performance by St Andrews and on the day they deserved the victory. They now top the table and with only one game left will surely clinch the title with a home win next Saturday. For the Stags the result was a bitter disappointment having topped the table all year and now likely to miss out on the title on bonus points. Neill and Parsons showed up well in attack while Mncube and Dempsey had a number of important cover tackles. Grangemouth will now have to raise themselves for the last two home games of the season. Firstly they host Carnoustie in the last league game this Saturday and then they have their National Bowl semi final tie against Helensburgh on the 31st March. Both games will kick off at 3pm