Stags get First League Win

The Stags travelled to St Andrews last Saturday to take on Madras in their latest league fixture. After their opening two defeats the local side were determined to kick start their season and the side were boosted by the return of Parsons, Innes and Johnston to the back line. Grangemouth kicked off and dominated the opening quarter as Madras struggled to clear their lines. In the opening minute Johnston had a break inside the home 22 and soon after Pedyo was bundled into touch at the corner flag after a scrum take against the head. The Stags continued to dominate the set pieces and McNiff made 20 metres from a number 8 pick up. Another scrum take against the head by Craig allowed Innes to make a half break as the Stags pressed for the opening score. Finally after all the pressure Skipper kicked a simple penalty as the home backs were again offside. As the game entered the second quarter Madras finally broke the siege and totally against the run of play took the lead with the opening try of the game. A couple of drives by the home forwards took play into the Stags 22 and when the ball was moved wide the home centre made a half break before passing to his winger for an unconverted score. Grangemouth were immediately back on attack and Pedyo had another run before Craig and Aspinall combined to take play close to the Madras line. After all the pressure the Stags finally scored their first try on 26 minutes. Another pick up and run from McNiff took play to the home 22 and when the ball was switched back to the left Parsons joined the line to score in the corner. Five minutes later Grangemouth added try number two. The forwards won a lineout on the Madras 22 and set up a driving maul which took play up to the line with Aspinall collecting the touchdown. Straight from the kick off Pedyo had another run from deep and then just on half time the young winger finally collected a try. McNiff and McInally made the initial drives and when the ball was moved back to the left the winger dived in at the corner flag for an unconverted score.
HT Madras 5 Stags 18.

After the domination of the opening 40 minutes Grangemouth should have pressed home their advantage in the second period. However straight from the kick off they dropped the ball inside their 22 to give Madras some possession and territory. Once again some poor defence from a ruck saw the home forwards drive over for a try. Madras almost scored again soon after as they intercepted and were only halted by a covering tackle from Aspinall. As the game entered the final quarter both sides lost men to the sin bin. Substitute Herron had a couple of runs which were only halted by last gasp tackles before finally the Stags secured the bonus point try. The forwards again made the initial drives before Parsons was on the end of a backs move to score his second in the corner. In the closing 10 minutes Grangemouth added try number five. They kicked a penalty into the corner before securing the lineout and driving to the line with Craig collecting the try.
Full time Madras 10 Stags 28

This was a comfortable win for the Stags who should really have scored several more trys to reflect their overall dominance in the game. They must improve their sharpness and intensity for the matches to come and cut out the turnovers and penalties. This week the Stags are back at home as they welcome near neighbours Alloa to Glensburgh for a 3pm KO