After a 3 week break the Stags were back in league action last Saturday as they made the short trip to face Hillfoots. Grangemouth were able to select a strong squad with Jackson and Nesbitt back from injury in the pack and Gemmell in at fullback. On a bright but cold afternoon the Stags played up the Tillicoultry slope in the 1st half and made a strong start. An early turnover in midfield saw the home defence stretched to the left. The ball was recycled and White burst through the defensive line before offloading to Gardiner to crash over for the score. The conversion attempt was wide. A few minutes later White and Hind combined to feed Johnston but the flanker was bundled into touch at the corner flag. The second try followed soon after. Good handling by the backs gave Stanley enough space to beat his man and slide in at the corner. The conversion from Skelton somehow managed to wobble its way over. Grangemouth remained on top and on 25 minutes another carry by White took play into the home 22. The ball was moved wide and Gemmell rounded the cover to score. Skelton added the extras. On 30 minutes Foots tried to run out from their 22 but dropped the ball. Stanley was first to react as he scooped up the loose ball before running in for his second try. The conversion was off target. Hillfoots had hardly been seen as an attacking threat in the opening half hour but they rallied before the break with 2 converted scores. Firstly some very average attempted tackles allowed the home side to break upfield and score and then a quick tap penalty saw the scrum half dive over from close range.
HT Foots 14 Stags 24.
The home side continued their resurgence at the start of the second period. They added a 3rd score on 44 minutes with a kick and chase for a converted score. On 50 minutes they took the lead and collected their bonus point score. A floated pass cut out the defenders and allowed the winger to run in at the corner. This time the conversion was wide. Grangemouth were finally able to stop the rot and establish some control. They kicked a penalty to the corner. Johnston secured the lineout and the pack drove over the line with Hind collecting the score to restore a narrow lead. The conversion was off target. The closing quarter saw the Stags pin their hosts in their 22. Despite numerous attacks they were unable to break down the stubborn defence. However with 5 minutes to play another attack saw first Stanley and then Coyle stopped just short of the line. The ball was picked up by Peacham who reached over the line for the decisive score. Again the conversion was wide. FT Hillfoots 26 Stags 34.
The coaches were left scratching their heads after this performance. The side totally dominated the opening 30 minutes before letting the opposition back into the game with some loose play and poor tackling. Luckily the side managed to regain control and finish the game strongly. Nesbitt was named man of the match. This week the Stags are back at home as they face Falkirk with a 2pm start.