For their first game of 2023 Garnock made the short journey to Cambuslang looking to continue their 2022 form. Despite the heavy rain during the week the playing surface was in excellent condition however the damp conditions made handling difficult.
The game kicked off with Garnock playing up the slight slope and into the breeze. Early pressure came from the visitors and with 5 minutes gone centre Ross McCann opened the scoring following a short range backline move. Conversion successful 0-7
If Garnock had expected the home side to react negatively to the initial reverse they were mistaken. Cambuslang came back into the game and applied pressure in the Garnock 22. A quick tap from a penalty 5m out resulted in the visitors dis-organised defence being breached. Conversion missed 5-7
The next 10 minutes were relatively even with neither side threatening the the others line. Garnock then worked their way upfield and after a number of forward attacks the ball was given to the backs and neat handling resulted in winger, Jared Reekie , scoring out wide. Conversion missed 5-12.
The home side once again upped their game and following a period of pressure their 13, Senter, cleverly cut back down an unguarded blind side to score in the corner . Conversion missed 10-12
At this point it looked like Garnock were in for a difficult afternoon unless they could find their earlier season form. A few words from the coaches seemed to do the trick and the Garnock pack began to dominate proceedings. Following a penalty around half way Garnock kicked to the 22 and following a lineout catch and drive skipper , Matt Shiells forced his way over. Conversion successful 10-19
With 10 minutes of the half remaining Garnock once gain worked their way upfield into the Cambuslang 22. The home side were struggling to cope with the strong forward runners and Lewis McGeachy took a short ball to thunder over for the bonus point try. Conversion good, 10-26
As the first half was drawing to a close Garnock were once again attacking in the 22. After a number of forward drives the home side eventually ran out of defenders and No8 , Luke Wynn , added a further try. Conversion successful bringing the half-time score to 10-33.
In truth the half-time score flattered the visitors a little as Cambuslang had competed well for long periods of the half and had caused the visitors defence some problems.
The second-half painted a different picture with Garnock in control of the set pieces and the home side rarely able to apply any pressure. With 10 minutes gone Luke Wynn added his second try of the game from close range. Conversion successful 10-40
The next score came from lively stand-off Keir Walker. Quick recycled ball in the 22 allowed the 10 to cruise through a gap in the defence and score between the sticks. Conversion successful 10-47
With 20 minutes to go the play was almost entirely in the Cambuslang half. Good handling from the visitors backs released Jared Reekie 20 yards out and the winger out paced the defence to score his second. Conversion successful 10-54
With time running out Garnock were once again in the 22 and following an infringement by the home side kicked to the corner for a 5m lineout. A training ground lineout move surprised the home side and Lewis McGeachy crashed over for his second try of the match. Conversion missed 10-59
Referee, Galloway, confirmed that 1 minute of the game remained and Cambuslang restarted long. The kick was taken by Stuart Wilson who made ground before recycling the ball which was spread to the backs. Following a break by Jared Reekie the ball was off-loaded to scrum half Adam McGowan in acres of space around half way. The young No 9 made ground before kicking over the full back. Unfortunately the covering defence was able to reach the ball in the in goal area first denying McGowan a final score. The referee blew for full time with the score remaining at 10-59
This Saturday Garnock host Lenzie at Lochshore with a 2pm kick off
