The Stags headed to Alloa last Saturday for week 7, and the halfway point, of the league season. Grangemouth made a couple of changes with Ferguson and McNiff starting in the pack. While the previous game was played in near perfect conditions this was an entirely different affair. The pitch was heavy after all the rain and Storm Austen earlier in the week and the arrival of Storm Boelo made conditions extremely challenging for both teams. Alloa had the advantage of the elements in the first half and had most of the early possession. However they were unable to break down the Stags defence. Grangemouth began to dominate the game with their pack on top and spent the rest of the quarter pushing for a score. Clark and Wieczorek came close but the game remained scoreless. At the start of the second quarter the pressure finally resulted in a score. Grangemouth seemed to be moving to the right but Balfour cut back to the left and sliced through the home defence to score under the posts. Stanley slotted the conversion. Soon after Alloa were wide with a long range penalty attempt. The half finished with Grangemouth again on the attack but unable to break down the home defence. Both sides headed for the sanctuary of the changing rooms at the break.

HT Alloa 0 Stags 7.

The teams returned to the field to be greeted by worsening weather conditions. The wind and driving rain making handling even more difficult in the second period. The Stags won a scrum against the head in midfield and an excellent kick from Balfour pinned the home team back in their 22. From a scrum Geldenhuys picked up and forced his way over. Stanley was again on target with the conversion. Grangemouth added try number 3 before the end of the third quarter. From a scrum on the home 22 Geldenhuys picked up and made ground before passing back inside for McNiff to slide over for the score. Stanley made it 3 from 3 with the conversion. The terrible conditions took their toll in the final quarter with neither side holding onto the ball long enough to make any clear chances. With just a couple of minutes to play an Alloa attack was stopped close to the line and Grangemouth cleared downfield. The home team were unable to clear their lines and, from a scrum 5, Geldenhuys again picked up to power his way over for the bonus point score. Stanley was unable to add the conversion but the final whistle was a very welcome sound for all the players and supporters.

FT Alloa 0 Stags 26.

This was not a game for the rugby purist. Both teams (and support staff and supporters) deserve the utmost respect for braving the elements and fulfilling the fixture. The Stags pack were again dominant in the set pieces and the forwards all carried well especially Geldenhuys. It was not a day for the backs to showcase their skills but they were solid in defence and carried well when asked. Balfour and Stanley both kicked well forcing Alloa to try and attack from deep in the second half. The Stags now have a break from league rugby for the next few weeks and this weekend they turn their attention to the cup when, believe it or not, they head back to Alloa for the National Shield tie. They will certainly hope for much better conditions. KO this week is 1.30pm.