On Saturday Garnock took on Ardrossan Accies at Lochshore seeking to continue their winning run. The visitors had seen their performances and results improve in recent games.
The match kicked off in pleasant overhead conditions with the soft playing surface in generally good condition. It was evident from the early play that Garnock were keen to run the ball and that despite their lowly league position Ardrossan were a good side who would provide a stern test.
The first score of the game came after 10 minutes. Garnock secured the ball in midfield and good handling by the backs released winger Jared Reekie 30 metres out. The winger outpaced his opposite man before cutting inside the full back to score. Conversion missed 5-0
The score seemed to galvanise Ardrossan and the built a period of sustained pressure in the Garnock 22 however excellent defence kept the visitors at bay. With 20 minutes gone Garnock worked their way downfield and from a lineout in around the visitors 22 the back line was released and a neat rehearsed move saw Jared Reekie cover the last 10 metres to score. Conversion good 12-0
In truth at this stage the match became a little scrappy with a number of stoppages preventing the game from having any real flow. The lineouts were generally fairly even and Garnock appeared to have a slight advantage in the scrums. After 30 minutes Garnock were again pressing in the visitors 22 . After a number of forward drives the ball was spread wide and centre Ross McCann crashed over for the score. Conversion missed 17-0
In the final minutes of the half Ardrossan were pressing just outside the Garnock 22 when the home side infringed in front of the posts. Ardrossan elected to take the kick at goal which was successful bringing the half time score to 17-3.
The second half kicked off with Garnock keen to secure the four try bonus point as early as possible however the early stages of the half were pretty uneventful. With 15 minutes gone Garnock secured a lineout on the visitors 10m line setting up a strong drive. Scrum-half Adam McGowan picked the perfect time to remove the ball from the maul and darted through a gap at the fringes and sped the last 30m to score between the posts. Conversion successful 24-3
Ardrossan continued to try and play handling rugby although most of the action took place within their half of the field. From a missed touch kick Garnock collected the ball around half way. Following a couple of drives to tie in the forwards the ball was spread wide and left winger Jared Reekie appeared on the right to finish an excellent move. Conversion good 31-3.
With 10 minutes remaining Garnock were under pressure in their 22 however the ball was turned over and the backs decided to have a go . Excellent handling from Walker , McCann and Perry released flying winger Jared Reekie into space around half way . The winger was able to finish unchallenged for what was the score of the day. Conversion successful 38-3
The remaining minutes were uneventful and no further scores were added.
This was a competent performance by the home side with the forwards working hard to secure the majority of possession and the backs handling well when given the opportunity. Highlight of the day was the outstanding finishing of winger Jared Reekie .
Next Saturday Garnock travel to face Stewartry in a top of the table clash.
