Garnock and Glens in Exciting 33-33 Draw

Garnock welcomed old foes Allan Glens to Lochshore for a Nat 3 fixture with the home side seeking vital points. The match was played in bright but cold and windy conditions .

 

Glens were first to trouble the scorers when they opened their account with a try after 13 minutes (0-5). This seemed to motivate the home side and 10 minutes later following a number of phases in the Glens 22 big Ronnie Vatuloka broke the defensive line to score. Conv good (7-5)

 

From the restart Garnock went on the offensive and 5 minutes later a backline move released centre Petero Canakaivata to power home from 30 metres. (12-5)

 

For the final 10 minutes of the half Garnock went to sleep defensively and Glens are a good side that will take advantage of any lapse in concentration. They added two tries before the break one of which was converted taking the half-time score to 12 – 17.

 

Glens continued their dominance from the restart adding a penalty and a further unconverted try within the first two minutes (12-25) . Garnock were now looking down the barrell and it was time to either step up or face another defeat.

 

Youngster Harley Kearney was brought on at 9 for his first start for Garnock and skipper Keir Walker moved out one position to 10. After 55 minutes Garnock had worked their way into the Glens 22 and following a number of phases a backs move saw Ronnie V take short line to score between the posts. Conv good 19-25

 

Garnock now had their tails up and they were dominating loose play. On 63 minutes the home side were again attacking and went up the blindside releasing Matt Shiells lurking on the wing. The big prop showed the Glens defence a clean pair of heels as a remarkable turn of pace took him the final 22 metres to score. Conv good 26-25

 

This score set up an exciting final 15 minutes with both sides desperate for the win. Glens took back the lead when Garnock were deemed to have infringed on their on 22. The visitors kicked for goal to retake the lead at 26-28

 

With time beginning to run out Garnock were again able to work their way into the visitors 22. After a number of forward drives Keir Walker drove over to score. Conv successful 33-28

 

At the restart there were 90 seconds remaining however despite securing possession the referee deemed Garnock had “sealed off” at one of the following rucks . This gave Glens one final opportunity with the clock in the red. To their credit the visitors went through a number of phases before taking an opportunity to score in the corner. Conv wide 33-33

 

This was a see-saw game which no doubt both sides will feel they could have won however with a five point advantage and 90 seconds left Garnock will no doubt be disappointed they couldn’t see it through.

 

There is now a break in league action until 22nd November however we have Round 1 of the National Shield next week with Garnock facing local rivals Ardrossan Accies at Lochshore with a 1.30pm kick off

 

Garnock team v Glens  Shiells, O’Neill, Chapman, King, Anderson, Craig, A Miller, S Wilson, K Walker, Purewal, Turaga, Vatuloka, Canakaivata, Smith, R Walker  reps  C Wilson, F Miller, Wynn, Kearney

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