Stags Home Loss to Dundee

The Stags were back at home last Saturday as they faced Dundee 2s. The visitors had been scoring trys for fun recently and a difficult match was expected. Grangemouth were missing a few players and made 3 changes and a positional change from the previous week. Haggart, Sloan and Constable started with Ward switching to centre. On a perfect day for rugby the opening exchanges were fairly even. Dundee were looking dangerous with ball in hand and they were first on the scoreboard. They pinned the Stags in their 22 and, with the home team missing some tackles, were able to cross for a converted score. Grangemouth tried to hit back but another penalty and missed tackle resulted in try number 2. Once again the conversion was successful. The Stags were then reduced to 14 with Haggart receiving a yellow card for a high tackle. Finally the home side had some front foot ball and were awarded a penalty. Skelton kicked to the corner and from the lineout the pack drove round the front with Clark driving over for the score. Skelton added the extras. HT Stags 7 Dundee 14.

The second half saw the visitors regain the initiative with the home side giving away frequent penalties and missing further tackles. Another missed tackle resulted in a line break for try number 3. Sloan then became the second Grangemouth player to receive a yellow card. The visitors drove over the line from the tap penalty but were held up. From the goal line dropout they ran back and another missed tackle saw the visitors collect the bonus point score. Their confidence raised Dundee then ran in 2 further scores from long range to stretch their lead. To their credit the Stags raised their game in the closing quarter and managed to score 2 trys. Firstly from a lineout the ball was moved to midfield where Ward cut the line to score. Then from a scrum the ball was moved wide for Siddiq to score. Skelton converted both scores. However the home side were unable to grab the bonus point score. FT Stags 21 Dundee 42.

This was a disappointing performance and result for the Stags. They missed far too many tackles and conceded numerous penalties against a quality Dundee side. Grangemouth now have a 2 week break with their next game away to Panmure on 14 October.