Stags awarded points for "no show"

Grangemouth were at home again last Saturday as Madras made the trip from St Andrews for round 3 of the league programme. Once again the Stags made a number of changes for what was expected to be a close game with Gowdy and Dempsey returning in the centre and starts for Carey, Brough, Herron and Ward. However on Friday night Madras informed the club and the SRU that they did not have a front row and Grangemouth were awarded a 28 – 0 bonus point win. The clubs agreed to play a match with Chris Keighan and Campbell Cunningham starting for the visitors.

Grangemouth dominated from the start and scored their first try after just 4 minutes. The forwards drove a lineout 20 metres and when the ball was moved wide Herron was able to round his man and score an unconverted try in the corner. Five minutes later the young winger added his second score. Good handling took play up to the visitors 22 and when the ball was recycled to the right good work by Allan and Ward allowed Herron to crash over in the same corner for another 5 points. McInally was again unsuccessful with the kick. Madras hit back and after running a couple of penalties they finally kicked 3 points for an offence at the breakdown. Grangemouth soon added try number three. From a lineout in midfield the forwards made the initial burst with a series of pick and goes before the ball was moved wide for Dempsey to outpace the defence for another unconverted try. As the game entered the second quarter Jamieson was involved twice in the lead up to try number four. First the big prop made a 25 metre burst over several would be tacklers and was then on hand to give an inside pass to Aspinall for the try. Johnstone added the extra 2 points. From the kick off the Stags surged back upfield. Good hands released Dempsey and when he was finally stopped he slipped the ball to Allan who raced in from 35 metres to leave Johnstone the easy conversion. Five minutes later Grangemouth added try number six. Again the forwards made the initial impact before Aspinall came on an angled run to feed Gowdy for the try. Half time 34 -3.

The Stags made a couple of changes at half time with Christie and McNab on in the pack as they started the second half with another two try burst. First McInally made a good run and although his pass failed to go to hand Herron was able to kick on and collect the ball to run in his third try. Johnstone again kicked the conversion. Straight from the kick off good hands by forwards and backs took play inside the visitors 22 where Dempsey found the gap in the Madras defence to score with Johnstone again adding the conversion. On the hour Dempsey completed his hat trick. Once again the forwards drove a lineout into the 22 and Johnstone fired a flat pass to the centre who crashed through the defence to score wide out. With 10 minutes to go Herron added his 4th try. The ball was won against the head in midfield and was moved quickly from Aspinall and McPherson to allow the winger to step round his man and run in from 40 metres for the score. Johnstone again was on target with the conversion. With 5 minutes to go the Stags completed the scoring. Allan made a good run from a drop out but the move was halted as Cunningham intercepted. However the score was only delayed as good support play by Aspinall allowed Dempsey in for his fourth try under the posts. Jamieson stepped up to add the conversion. Final score 67 – 3

This was a much improved performance by the Stags who were much sharper in attack and more solid in defence. Again there is room for improvement in the weeks ahead. Man of the match was Gary Dempsey for his 4 trys and all round play but a special mention for young Sam Herron who also scored 4. Next week the Stags make the short trip to play Alloa with KO 3pm