Following a heavy defeat in their previous fixture Garnock travelled to Burnbrae to face West determined to right some wrongs. In their last home fixture West had thumped league leaders Glens so clearly this was going to be a tough challenge.
The home side started the match strongly and spent the majority of the first ten minutes inside the Garnock half. From a close range lineout West set up a driving maul however this was shunted backwards by the Garnock pack and this was the last maul the home side attempted. It wasn’t much longer before West opened the scoring from a penalty kick for goal inside the 22.
Garnock began to get a foothold in the game and made regular ground particularly through their big ball carrying forward runners. From a ruck around halfway the impressive centre Cian Smith made a great outside break taking play into the 22. Garnock went through the phases before fullback Per Jacobson went over. Conv struck the upright 3-5
The next score came following a midfield penalty to Garnock which was kicked to touch 10m out. Garnock secured the ball and with West electing not to engage in order to prevent the driving maul the catcher Jonny Watson simply retained the ball and made his way over the line. Conv again struck the upright 3-10
Both teams were trying to play expansive rugby in the dry but chilly autumn conditions. The West backs looked dangerous with ball in hand however Garnock had a distinct advantage in the forward exchanges. From a series of phases inside the West 22 Garnock worked toward the line and Matt Shiells powered over near the posts. Conv good 3-17
With time in the half running out West worked into the visitors 22 and their outside centre carved through the defence to score. Conv wide 8-17 at half-time
The second half started with West in control for the first 10 minutes. All of the play was in and around the visitors 22. Eventually the defence was breached with a try out wide. Conv missed 13-17
Garnock were now under pressure however they are strong characters and set about the task of stretching their lead. Midway through the half they were in the West 22 and following a couple of drives flanker Stuart Wilson broke free and dived over. Conv good 13-24
Not content with their efforts Garnock again set about entering the red zone. Thundering runs from Ross Brocket and Lewis McGeachy gained ground in to the 22. From a ruck 10m out West expected the visitors to again use their big carriers however stand-off Rory Walker had other ideas and he broke through the tackle of his opposite number to score beside the posts. Conv good 13-31
Garnock, by now, had the game by the scruff of the neck and once gain were in the West 22 when they were awarded a penalty. They elected the kick for goal stretching the margin to 13-34.
In the final 5 minutes with the game won Garnock switched off allowing West, who to their credit fought to the end, to add to late converted tries bringing the final score to 27-34
This was a much improved performance from Garnock with a well deserved win. Garnock’s next fixture is on 23rd November away at Dumfries
Garnock squad Shiells, O’Neil, F Miller. Watson, McGeachy, Wilson, Crossan, Brocket, K Walker, R Walker, Young, Anderson, C Smith, J Smith, Jacobson Reps McGuire, McDermott, A Miller, King
