Garnock Take Narrow Victory

Following a couple of close games Garnock faced Aberdeen Grammar at Lochshore intent on securing their first five point haul of the season.

 

The game kicked off in pleasant overhead conditions although soft underfoot. Garnock opened their account after 6 minutes through a penalty from Keir Walker (3-0) however Abredeen responded in kind only 4 minutes later (3-3)

 

The first try of the game followed shortly thereafter from a break by centre Ronnie Vatuloka who fed partner Rory Walker to finish the final 15 metres. Conv good 10-3

 

The next score again came from the home side. From a midfield penalty Garnock kicked to touch inside the 22. From the resultant lineout Garnock set up a maul however rather than drive hooker O’Neill cleverly broke up the blind side and fed scrum-half  Keir Walker 5m out. Conv successful 17-3

 

Midway through the half Garnock were again pressing in the Aberdeen 22 and were awarded a penalty. They elected to kick for goal taking the score to 20-3

 

This scoreline did not truly reflect the play with the visitors threatening when they went through the phases with ball in hand. Before the half-time interval Aberdeen scored two deserved tries one of which was converted taking the score at the midpoint to 20-15

 

Garnock started the second half strongly bringing pressure to bear in the 22 however they were unable to add to their tally and Aberdeen cleared their lines. not to be thwarted Garnock again made their way into the 22 and set up camp. Following a number of drives an excellent “dirty” line from skipper Jonny Watson saw him crash over. Conv good (27-15)

 

This reverse seemed to galvanise the visitors and for the next 15 minutes they dominated possession and territory. During this time they added 2 further tries one of which they converted (27-27)

 

The next score came from Garnock when they were awarded a penalty 30 metres out and elected to kick for goal. (30-27)

 

In this see-saw match Aberdeen took the lead after 70 minutes when a loose clearance kick was fielded by one of their dangerous backs who evaded a number of tackles to score . (30-34)

 

With time running out this looked to be another good performance without the elusive win however this is a determined Garnock squad. They were awarded a penalty in midfield which was kicked to the 22. A strong lineout drive followed and after a couple of phases youngster Fraser Craig drove over to score. Conv good 37-34

 

Garnock were able to see out the remainder of the game with relative ease and at full time were delighted to finally get the win.

 

Next week Garnock make the short trip to Milngavie to face West

 

Garnock squad  Chapman, O’Neill, F Miller, A Miller, Anderson, Craig, Watson, Shiells, K Walker, Purewal, Wynn, R Walker, Vatuloka, J Smith, C Smith Reps Wilson, K Miller, Hutton, Collins

 

 

 

 

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