Stalemate At Lochshore

On a warm and sunny late summer day Garnock faced Dumfries Saints at Lochshore in their first National 3 league fixture.

 

Garnock started the stronger with powerful ball carries through their forwards putting Dumfries under pressure. This early show of strength resulted in the home side being first on the scoreboard through a trademark Ross Brocket try . The big No8 took a short pass from a ruck 10m from the line and powering over. Conv good 7-0

 

For the next 10 minutes Dumfries Saints came back into the game exerting their own pressure in the Garnock 22 however the defence held firm restricting the visitors to a successful penalty 7-3.

 

This seemed to galvanise the home side and they once again set about their task. Following a couple of short range lineouts the ball was eventually passed wide from which winger Tony Woods scored in the corner 12-3

 

The remainder of the half was mainly owned by Dumfries Saints as they attacked through both their forwards and backs. They firstly added a second penalty 12-6 and then scored a well worked try through their backs with the final play of the half 12-13

 

The second half started in similar fashion to the first with Garnock the stronger. In truth Garnock dominated the first 20 minutes however they were only able to add a single try during this period. This was once again through the finishing power of No8 Ross Brocket. 19-13.

 

Garnock’s inability to convert all their dominance into points was down to a combination of excellent defence by the visitors and the concession of a number of penalties when in promising positions.  For the next 15 minutes Dumfries took control of the game though their own good play and a number of errors and poor decisions by the home side.

 

Dumfries initially added two further penalties to bring the scores level at 19-19. With only three minutes remaining they scored a good try through their backs following a smart blindside break and a neat inside pass they dotted down near the posts. Conv good 19-26

 

From the restart Garnock knew that they had to regain possession and work upfield if they were to have any hope of saving the game. Following a couple of Dumfries phases Garnock were awarded a penalty and kicked into the 22. From the resulting lineout they attacked the line but were held short before the referee deemed the defence to have been illegal and awarded a further penalty. This was now final play and Garnock had one final opportunity. The lineout was secured and the pack drove over the line with Ross Brocket being the man to dot down 26-24

 

With the try coming from a driven lineout the conversion attempt was from very wide out. Under significant pressure Keir Walker struck the ball perfectly and it sailed between the posts 26-26, There was no time for the game to restart.

 

Through their four tries Garnock took three league points and the visitors two for the draw.

 

Neither coaching teams are likely to have been  totally satisfied with the draw. Garnock had enough posession and territory to win the game however with a seven point lead and three minutes remaining Dumfries Saints will likely feel they should have held on for the victory.

 

Next week Garnock make the long trip to the granite city to face Aberdeen Grammar. The home side were in the Premiership not so long ago and this will be a real test.

 

Garnock squad v Dumfries Saints  Shiels, O’Neil, Chapman, Watson, Craig, Wilson, A Miller, Brocket, Walker, McCrorie, Smith, Hutton, Reekie, Woods, Jacobson  Reps  McDermott, F Miller, McGowan, Shaw

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