Spoils Shared In Cracking Encounter

On Saturday Garnock welcomed league leaders Dumfries Saints to Lochshore . Both sides were desperate to claim the points for differing reasons.

 

The fist half was one way traffic with the visitors dominating territory and possession. With half an hour played Dumfries Saints had taken a 19-0 lead through three tries two of which were converted. With time in the half disappearing Garnock had a rare spell in the visitors 22. From a lineout 5 metres out hooker Richard O’Neill broke from the maul to crash over. Conversion good taking the half time score to 7-19

 

If Garnock were to take anything from the game they needed to be the first to score in the second half. Dumfries started strongly and it didn’t take long for them to add to their tally with a further converted try taking the score to 7-26.

 

As we have learned from previous games Garnock are not a side to let their heads drop and they set about try to claw their way back into the game. The pack increased their efforts and the backs looked dangerous in possession. The next 20 minutes were dominated by the home side with Jonny Watson regularly stealing lineout ball and the scrum firmly on the front foot.

 

Garnock’s first score of the half came from prop Joe Chapman following a number of forward drives. The next came from young scrum-half Harley Kearney who opened his Garnock account with a clever break up the blind side of a ruck . It was then back to the forwards and following another spell of pressure second-row Alan Miller went over. One of the tries was converted taking the score to 24-26.

 

With time beginning to run out Dumfries were once again in the Garnock 22 and following a spell 5 metres out they eventually crossed through their winger. The conversion was wide taking the score to 24-31 with only 5 minutes remaining.

 

Could Garnock mount one last effort or would the visitors hold on for a vital 5 points.

 

From the kick off Dumfries secured possession however the clearing kick did not make touch and winger Kyle Miller carried the ball to the opposition with thunderous intent. Garnock attacked through both backs and forwards working their way towards the visitors line. From one final forward effort Cammy King drove over in the corner to touch down. Not for the first time Keir Walker calmly slotted the touchline conversion to level the match at 31-31.

 

There was no time remaining for the match to restart and the referee blew for full-time.

 

This was a cracking game with no quarter asked or given by either side. Dumfries were undoubtedly the better side in the first 40 minutes however Garnock were the dominant force in the second half. Those who had understandably elected to watch the Italy v Scotland 6 Nations game rather than come down to Lochshore missed a great contest.

 

We now have a considerable 6 Nations break before Garnock’s next fixture which is on 21st March away at Allan Glens

 

Garnock squad  Shiells, O’Neill, Chapman, King, Anderson, Craig, Watson, S Wilson, Kearney, R Walker, Turaga, Vatuloka, K Walker, Jacobson, Purewal  Reps F Miller, C Wilson, A Miller, K Miller

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