At a sunny Lochshore Garnock took on local rivals Ardrossan Accies in the National League Cup group stage. Ardrossan had a fantastic league campaign last season going unbeaten in West 1 to achieve promotion to National 4. This was sure to be a hotly contested Ayrshire derby with both clubs keen to get their competitive campaigns off to a positive start.
Due to unavailability, injury and illness the Garnock squad showed a number of changes from usual including 1st XV competitive debuts for youngsters Huck Hutton and Jamie Smith. In addition the experienced Paul Johnston was playing his final game in Scotland before a 12 month sabbatical in New Zealand.
The early play was fairly evenly shared however Garnock were further hampered by an injury to centre Danny Irvine resulting in a further backline reshuffle
Ardrossan were first on the scoreboard when following a period of pressure a forward crashed over close to the posts. Conversion successful 0-7. Shortly thereafter Garnock opened their account with a penalty from Keir Walker. 3-7
Unfortunately Ardrossan were reduced to 14 losing a forward to the naughty step for 10 minutes. During this period the Garnock pack was able to dominate the visitors and from a 5m lineout they trundled toward the line with Paul Johnston being the man in possession to score . Conversion good 10-7
Ardrossan did not lie down and in truth they were more than the equal of their opponents in many aspects of the game. They worked their way in to the Garnock 22 and some fine handling by their backs produced a score in the corner. Conv successful 10-14 at half-time
During the second half Ardrossan chose to kick for territory on most occasions rather than pay with ball in hand. This tactic put the Garnock back three under a little pressure however they were able to cope and clear their lines on most occasions.
The next score was from the home side when after a number of phases they were in the Ardrossan 22 when the ball was released to the backs finding Per Jacobson in space to cruise over. Conv good 17 -14
The majority of the second half was played between the 22m lines with neither side able to build any period of pressure. The highlights were a number of powerful charges from Garnock No8 Ross Brocket and the elusive running of Jared Reekie. Both teams used their bench bringing competitive debutants Jamie Smith and Huck Hutton to the field.
Both sides added 2 penalty kicks to their tally bringing the score to 23-20 with time running out. Following some indiscipline by the visitors Garnock were able to enter the visitors 22 and apply some pressure. Following a number of phases they were awarded a scrum 7m from the line. Using a solid platform Ross Brocket picked from the base and powered through a number of tacklers to score. Conv wide 28-20
There was no time to restart the game and Garnock were the victors in their first competitive game of 24/25 season
Garnock squad F Miller, O’Neill, Chapman, Watson, Craig, Wilson, A Miller, Brocket, Johnston, Walker, Anderson, Irvine, Reekie, Woods , Jacobson. Reps McDermott, Jamie Smith, Ruxton, Jaden Smith, Hutton
Next Saturday Garnock face Dumfries at Lochshore to start their Nat 3 campaign. Kick off at 3pm
