Alloa 9 Grangemouth 40

Grangemouth made the short trip across the Forth last Saturday to take on local rivals Alloa. The Stags had failed to gain a bonus point in the two meetings last season and another tricky game was expected. Once again Grangemouth made a number of changes in the back division with Parsons returning at stand off, Johnstone moving to centre and Dempsey dropping back to fullback. In addition Cunningham and Denny were on the wings for the unavailable Herron and Allan. On a perfect day for rugby Alloa dominated territory in the opening quarter as they kicked for position and pinned Grangemouth back inside their 22. They were helped by some aimless kicking by the Stags which allowed the home side far too much time to run the ball back. The home side opened the score after 6 minutes with a penalty under the posts. The lead was doubled on 18 minutes with another easy penalty. On 20 minutes Grangemouth finally managed to string some phases together to score the opening try. Cunningham and McInally linked to allow Neill to make the initial break. He passed to Jamieson and despite the big prop going to ground short of the line he managed to regain his feet and dive over. McInally kicked the conversion. The Stags forwards were beginning to dominate the set pieces which pinned Alloa back in their 22. The Stags scored try number two on the half hour mark. They initially messed up their own lineout but from the resultant Alloa throw Neill was able to charge down the attempted clearing kick and collect the loose ball to score under the posts to leave McInally the easy conversion. The home side hit back and were rewarded with their third penalty after Grangemouth again failed to clear their lines. With half time approaching McInally missed a penalty but Alloa only managed to clear to the 22. From the lineout the forwards worked a peel round the back and Neill was put through the gap to score his second try. McInally kicked the conversion to leave the score at half time 9 – 21.

Grangemouth were again on top at the start of the second half and scored the bonus point try after 45 minutes. The forwards made good ground with a series of drives from a scrum in midfield. The ball was switched to the blind side where Dempsey was able to beat his man on the outside before cutting inside the cover for the score. McInally added the extra points. After 50 minutes the Stags scored a fine team try. Dempsey, Denny and Connor McFarlane linked to take the ball up to half way before the ball was moved wide. Good hands in the backs saw Gowdy on hand to receive the inside pass and run in from 30 metres for try number 5. Once again McInally added the conversion. The closing quarter was disappointing with both sides unable to create a scoring chance as the game became bogged down in midfield. In the last minute Grangemouth were awarded a series of penalties and from a quick tap McNiff was held up on the line to allow Jamieson to flop over from very short range. This time McInally was unsuccessful with the conversion. Final score Alloa 9 Stags 40.

This was a mixed performance by the Stags who did collect the bonus point against an Alloa side who kept scrapping for the ball throughout. Grangemouth will have to improve on their slow start and cut out some of the aimless kicking which allowed Alloa to build some early pressure. Next week the Stags are back at home against Carnoustie with KO at 3 pm