Stags Shield Campaign Hits the Strathmore Buffers

There was a big crowd at Glensburgh last Saturday as the Stags welcomed Strathmore for the Caledonia Shield final. The Forfar side were clear favourites having won all their games this season and secured bonus point wins in the 2 previous league encounters between the sides. Grangemouth were missing a couple of regulars but did have Gemmell back at centre while Hugh and Harvey started up front. Conditions were ideal for rugby and the Stags made a positive start. They drove the visitors off an early scrum and dominated the early territory. On 6 minutes the Stags opened the scoring when Strathie were penalised for a high tackle and Skelton stepped up to slot the penalty. Strathmore hit back and scored a few minutes later. An angled run by the centre split the home defence and he was stopped just short by a fine tackle by McLay. The ball was recycled quickly and moved wide for the winger to be given the scoring pass to run round under the posts for a converted score. Grangemouth were soon back on the attack and Skelton reduced the lead to 1 point with his second kick as Strathmore were caught offside. The Stags failed to clear their lines from the kick off and this allowed Strathie to pin them back inside their 22. The visitors were twice held up over the line before a move from a 5 metre scrum gave the winger enough space to dot down in the corner for an unconverted score. The Stags then lost Dempsey with a leg injury and immediately conceded a further score. Another break by the centre saw him chip ahead. Although Grangemouth initially won the ball close to their line the ball was turned over and slick handling by the backs resulted in a try in the corner. On 30 minutes Strathmore increased their lead. Grangemouth tried to run from deep but the ball was lost on their 22. A couple of quick passes saw the centre canter in for a converted score. Soon after Skelton had to leave the field after a head knock with Nesbitt coming on out of position on the wing. Strathmore added 2 further scores before the break. First another fine handling move stretched the home defence down one flank before the ball was moved back to the left for the fullback to run in at the corner. Just on the half time whistle another attack down the right wing saw the winger put in a clever cross kick for the centre to win the race for the touchdown. HT Stags 6 Strathmore 36

With Strathmore well on top the second period was a bit of an anti climax. Strathmore started brightly and were soon back on the attack. Another break in the centre should have produced a score but the final pass was knocked on and the chance was lost. To their credit Grangemouth tried to fight back and dominated possession in the next 20 minutes. Harvey had a couple of strong runs from the base of the scrum and Love was hauled down close to the line by a last gasp tackle. However, Grangemouth were unable to turn pressure into points as the visitors defence held firm and their line remained intact. With 15 minutes to go the Stags lost another player to injury as Gemmell left the field with a head knock. Then a counter attack from deep saw Strathmore run in a final converted score. FT Stags 6 Strathmore 43

This was a clinical performance from a very good Strathmore side who will surely wrap up the league title in 2 weeks time. Their pack won enough ball for their talented backs to cut through the Stags defence with ease. Grangemouth were certainly hampered by all the injuries to key players but were left frustrated by some poor tackling and basic handling errors. They now have to pick themselves up for the final few league matches. This Saturday they travel to take on Dunfermline with KO 3.30pm