Stags take the Points in Local Derby

Grangemouth had their first home league game since 3rd November last Saturday as Alloa made the short journey to Glensburgh. The freezing conditions during the week had left the match in doubt but some hard work by a number of club members saw the pitch perfectly playable by kick off time. The Stags made five changes from the previous weeks win at Madras with youngsters Thomson and Herron starting in the backs, Carrie and Craig in the front row and skipper McInally back in his usual 2nd row position. The opening quarter was even with neither side creating a clear chance as defences were on top. Parsons had looked in good form but the veteran full back had to limp off with a leg injury on 15 minutes to be replaced by Pedyo. On 20 minutes Grangemouth delighted the home support with the opening score. McFarlane took a quick free kick and drove up to the Alloa 22. The ball was recycled through the back line and when they were held up the ball was switched back to Neill who burst through the attempted tackles to stroll in under the posts. Innes added the simple conversion. Alloa hit back as Grangemouth gave away far too many penalties at the breakdown. The visitors had the chance to open their account with a simple penalty but chose to run the ball and the chance was lost. With 5 minutes left in the half Alloa did manage to get on the scoreboard. Grangemouth were too casual in defence and the attempted clearing kick was collected just outside the home 22 by the visitor’s full back who somehow managed to evade the chasing tacklers to score. The difficult conversion was kicked to tie the scores. There was just enough time in the half for the Stags to hit back and retake the lead. Pedyo had a good run up to the Alloa 22 and when he was halted the visitors conceded a penalty at the breakdown. The ball was kicked into touch 5 metres out. Connor McFarlane claimed the lineout ball and was driven over by the pack with Craig claiming the touchdown. The conversion was missed. Half time Stags 12 Alloa 7

Grangemouth made changes at the break with Keighan, Jack and Ward all on for the second period. The Stags were quickly back on the attack and increased their lead on 44 minutes. The forwards took a scrum against the head and good handling in the backs saw Dempsey break through to score. Innes hit the post with the conversion attempt. A few minutes later Herron made the initial break with Dempsey looping round to take play up to the 22. A kick ahead was fumbled on the line and Innes was on hand for the simplest of scores. Once again the conversion was unsuccessful. With the bonus point secured Grangemouth continued to press for more scores as the game entered the final quarter. Innes and Pedyo linked well but the young winger was forced into touch short of the line. With 10 minutes left Grangemouth did score try number 5. Neill took a quick lineout and good hands by forwards and backs saw Denny touchdown in the corner. Five minutes later Neill secured more lineout possession and Johnstone made the initial break. McNiff was on hand to link with Innes and the young centre bounced off a couple of tackles to score. This time he was also successful with the conversion. With the last play of the game Grangemouth added try number 7. Once again the forwards took a scrum against the head and Ward was able to stab through a kick for Pedyo to follow up for the score. Final score Stags 39 Alloa 7.

This was a good performance by the Stags against a committed Alloa side who fought hard throughout. Stevie Neill and Connor McFarlane dominated the lineouts while centres Dempsey and Innes showed up well in attack and defence. A big thank you to all the club members who helped out on Friday and Saturday to make the pitch playable for the game. This Saturday the Stags are back in cup action as they take on Harris at Glensburgh in the semi final of the Midlands Bowl with KO at 1.30 pm. The sides have played each other twice in the league so far this season with each winning at home. A close game is expected.