On Saturday Garnock travelled to Aberdeen to face Aberdeen Grammar Rugby at Rubislaw. This was the first ever meeting between the two clubs.
The game kicked off in dry and mild conditions with a fairly strong breeze blowing down the pitch. Garnock could not have got off to a worse start and following an error from the kick off receipt found themselves under pressure near their try line. A couple of phases from the hosts and they were over for the opening score. Conversion good 7-0
Not only were Garnock behind on the scoreboard but they also lost centre Huck Hutton to injury bringing replacement Iain Waterston onto the pitch some 70 minutes earlier than he would have preferred.
The early setback did not deter the visitors and they set about attacking through strong carries from the pack . Garnock were awarded a penalty around midfield and kicked to touch in the 22. From a trademark catch and drive the pack rumbled toward the line and No8, Ross Brocket was the man in possession at the line. Conv good 7-7.
As the half progressed both sides enjoyed periods of possession and attacked through both forwards and backs. With 20 minutes gone Garnock were again in the home 22. Following a number of phases prop Joe Chapman crashed over. Conv wide 7-12
Ten minutes later Aberdeen Grammar were attacking in the 22 and were awarded a scrum. A massive effort from the Garnock pack drove the visitors backwards and the scrum collapsed. To the bemusement of the visitors the home side were awarded a penalty and following a tap they scored between the posts. Conv good 14-12
Undeterred by the setback the visitors once again attacked in the home 22. A sublime line from Ross Brocket saw the No8 smash through the defence to score under the crossbar. Conv good 14-19
With time running out Garnock again worked their way upfield into the home 22. Following a number of phases the ball was released to the backs and fullback Per Jacobson scored out wide. Conv missed bringing the half-time score to 14-24
Turning round with the breeze at their backs the visitors were hoping to dominate territory in the second half and for the first 5 minutes it appeared that would be the case. From a lineout 10m from the home line an overthrown ball was collected by Joe Chapman who carried 5m before offloading to the supporting Alan Miller to score. Conv missed 14-29
For the next 15 minutes Garnock completely switched off and made a number of errors allowing the home side both possession and territory. During this period Aberdeen scored three unanswered tries all converted bringing the score to 35-29. To be fair it was not only errors by the visitors but also some excellent attacking from the home side which turned the game on it’s head.
Garnock regained their composure and attacked through forwards and backs. With 68 minutes gone Garnock were again in the home 22 with a lineout throw. From the resulting maul hooker Richard O’Neil went over out wide. Conv good 35-36
Garnock again failed to deal with the restart giving possession to the home side and after a number of phases they were awarded a penalty in the 22. Kick was good 38-36.
From the restart Aberdeen Grammar calmly worked upfield throgh strong carries from their pack and good handling from their dangerous backs. Despite energetic defence Aberdeen scored in the corner. Conv wide 43-36
This Garnock side do not know when they are beaten and in gritty and determined fashion set about achieving possession . From a midfield penalty kicked to touch just outside the home 22. From the lineout they set up a tight maul and in a remarkable demonstration of power they drove the home side back 25 metres and over the line. The try scorer was flanker Stuart Wilson who had been prominent the entire game. The difficult touchline conversion was slotted by Keir Walker 43-43
The match restarted and Garnock had the bit firmly between their teeth. The determined visitors attacked with power and worked into the 22. With the referee advising “last play” Garnock were attacking the line when the referee signalled penalty advantage. Good defence from the home side kept Garnock out however the referee returned to the penalty 10m out and just wide of the posts. Keir Walker calmly slotted the kick to take the final score to 43-46
The Garnock coaches were delighted with the resilience shown by the players in this tight contest.
The home side were excellent hosts and looked after the players, supporters and club officials extremely well. They showed the true ethos of amateur club rugby. We look forward to returning their hospitality at Lochshore
Next Saturday Garnock face Cartha Queens Park at Lochshore with a 3pm kick off
Garnock squad Shiels, O’Neil, Chapman, Watson, McDermott, S Wilson, A Miller, Brocket, Walker, McCrorie, Smith, Hutton, Reekie, Woods , Jacobson Reps F Miller, Craig, C Wilson and Waterston
