After a two week lay off due to postponements Garnock took on Murrayfield Wanderers seeking to continue their 100% record in National 4
The game kicked off in pleasant autumn sunshine with Garnock playing toward the Hub. From the early exchanges it was clear that Wanderers had not turned up to simply make up the numbers. Their forwards were abrasive and their backs looked dangerous with ball in hand.
Garnock were first to trouble the scorers when following a lineout 10m out the pack set up a driving maul which forced the visitors over their line and Stuart Wilson touched down. Conversion wide 5-0
The weather conditions resulted in an open game and Wanderers attacked at every opportunity. Following a period of pressure in the Garnock 22 they opened their account with a try. Conversion successful 5-7
Not to be outdone Garnock also sought to run the ball and following some neat handling Sam Wynn made ground in to the 22 and after a number of forward drives Keir Walker spotted a gap a sniped down the blind side to score. Conversion missed 10-7
The attacking efforts of both teams were let down by indiscipline with the referee awarding a number of penalties against both sides. After 30 minutes Garnock’s Matt Shiells received a yellow card. Almost immediately Wanderers scored a second try which was again converted. 10-14
From the restart Garnock again worked their way upfield into the visitors 22 and ultimately were awarded a penalty under the posts. They elected to kick for goal. 13-14
With time running out in the half Garnock again worked upfield and following a penalty kicked to touch within the visitors 22. The pack again took control and following a number of carries Luke Wynn was able to break the visitors strong defence to score . Conversion successful 20-14
The referee blew for half-time shortly thereafter. It was clear that the outcome of the game was not yet decided and that if Garnock wanted to remain at the top of the table they would need to significantly improve their performance in the second half.
Wanderers clearly were intent to take matters to the home side and were first to add to the scoring in the second half. Their dangerous backs made ground before Garnock eventually ran out of defenders allowing a try to be scored. Conversion successful 20-21
This reverse seemed to galvanise the home side and for the next 20 minutes they were firmly in control. During this period Garnock added four further tries. Stuart Wilson bagged his second as did Keir Walker before the best try of the day came from Jared Reekie. The Garnock centre had been a thorn in the side of Wanderers all game and a backline move 30m out released the centre to crash through the defensive line to score under the posts.
With 10 minutes remaining play was in the centre of the pitch when a Wanderers kick was charged down and Garnock winger Ally Anderson found the ball in his hands with 40m to the line and no defenders in his way. The winger coasted over the line an under the posts. All four of Garnock’s second half tries were converted taking the score to 48-21
Wanderers did not give up their efforts and were determined to take something from the game via a four try bonus. Once again Garnock’s indiscipline let them down and Ally Anderson saw yellow. With Garnock reduced to 14 Wanderers pushed for their fourth which was eventually scored by their backs. 48-28
Shortly following Wanderers try the referee blew for full time. This was probably Garnocks least effective performance this season and there were a lot of cobwebs to be blown away following the two weeks inactivity. Make no mistake Wanderers are a decent side and were thoroughly deserving of their bonus point. They may only have won two league fixtures this season however before today all of their defeats had been narrow and high scoring. The return fixture will likely be a real challenge .
Next week Garnock take on Perthshire at Lochshore with a 3.00pm kick off
Garnock squad Shiells, O’Neill, L Wynn, Watson, McGeachy, S Wilson, Ramsay-Millar, Brocket, K Walker, Jacobson, Anderson, R Walker, Reekie, S Wynn, Woods Reps C Wilson, A Miller, D Miller, Craig
