Garnock travelled to Cupar to face Howe of Fife expecting a really tough encounter and they were not disappointed.
The weather was bright and sunny and the pitch very firm underfoot. Conditions were perfect for running rugby. The match started with Garnock playing down the slope.
Straight from the kick off Howe made their intentions clear by swinging the ball through the hands from side to side. They eventually worked an overlap allowing the speedy left wing to score. 5-0
Following this early setback Garnock began to settle in to the game using their pack to good effect. From a 5m lineout skipper Matt Shiells crashed over to level the scoreline 5-5
From the restart Garnock failed to clear their lines and the ball was turned over 30m out. The Howe left wing was released up the blind side to score his second. Conv good 12-5
Undaunted Garnock again set about working their way into the Howe 22 and the next score came from the visiting side with big No8 , Ross Brocket, beating a couple of tacklers to score. Conv good 12-12
Howe continued to try and move the ball through both forwards and backs and looked dangerous in possession. From a lineout in their own 22 Howe secured possession and released their backs with their outside centre breaking the line and using pace to cover 80m to score. Conv good 19-12
For the remainder of the first half Garnock had the majority of territory and possession adding two further scores through Matt Shiells and Ross Brocket one of which was converted bringing the half-time score to 19-24
Despite leading at the midpoint Garnock had been troubled by the very quick Howe backs although the forward exchanges were relatively even.
From a Garnock perspective the less said about the second half the better. Playing down the slope on a firm pitch Howe completely dominated and their backs made significant inroads when the ball was put through the hands. The Howe backs scored at regular intervals throughout the half running in a further 6 tries all of which were converted.
The only bright spot from Garnock was a try from young replacement hooker Tom McGuire mid way through the half.
The match finished with Howe victors by 61-29. Garnock will have no complaints with the result and were well beaten by the better side on the day.
There is no doubt that on a dry day and a firm pitch the Howe side will prove a real handful for any team in the league. On a positive note Garnock again proved they have the ability score a good number of points against any team and a four try bonus point will have slightly eased the pain of a tough defeat.
Debutant Cian Smith showed up well and youngster Tom McGuire impressed before having to leave the field.
Next week Garnock face league leaders Allan Glens at Lochshore. The two teams know each other well from numerous tussles in West 1 and this will be another really tough test.
Garnock squad Shiells, O’Neill, Chapman, Watson, McDermott, Wilson, A Miller, Brocket, Reekie, Walker, J Smith, Irvine, C Smith, Woods, Anderson Reps McGuire, F Miller, Craig and Young
