The pain continues

For the third time in September the Stags were on the road last Saturday as they travelled to Cupar to take on Howe of Fife. Once again Grangemouth fielded an under strength side as they made 8 changes from the previous week due to unavailability. The local side were under pressure from the kick off and the home side opened the score after just three minutes. Strong running from the home backs saw their centre break the line and run in at the corner for an unconverted score. They added their second score on 11 minutes. A kick to touch was half charged down and again the home backs moved the ball wide to beat the cover for a converted try. Grangemouth hit back and opened their account on 17 minutes. A turnover by the home side in midfield saw Innes set up a counter attack. He linked with Rice and when the winger was stopped close to the line Alexander was on hand to dive over in the corner for an unconverted score. Soon after Howe restored their advantage as they set up a counter attack and after sucking in the defence created a four man overlap which was finished off by their right winger who ran round under the posts for an easy 7 points. With half time approaching Grangemouth had some pressure inside the home 22. The ball was moved to the blind side and Innes managed to power his way through three or four attempted tackles for the Stags second try. The good work was immediately undone as the Stags failed to deal with the kick off and turned over possession. Simple hands saw the ball moved wide for an unconverted try. There was just time before the half time whistle for Grangemouth to collect their third try. The home side were penalised at a scrum on half way. Innes took the quick tap and raced into the 22 before passing to Alexander who collected his second score in the corner. HT Howe 24 Stags 15

The second half was an entirely different affair as the home side dominated possession and territory against a tiring side. They added two scores in the first 7 minutes of the half first from an overlap on the wing and then a short range effort from the home prop. Soon after the winger collected his third try as he was on the end of another overlap to run in under the posts. Grangemouth did manage to collect the bonus point try on the hour mark. The forwards drove a lineout before releasing Randalls in midfield. The big man attracted a couple of defenders before passing to Pedyo who scampered in at the corner. Howe added two further converted scores in the closing minutes for a very comfortable win. FT Howe 57 Stags 20

This was another disappointing result for the local side who will be desperately hoping for a return to action for several of their key players in the next few weeks. The Stags now have three home games in a row starting this Saturday with a league game against Carnoustie KO 3 pm.