Garnock made the short trip to Dumbreck to face Cartha Queens Park in their final away fixture of the season
The visitors made the better start to the game and opened the scoring when stand-off Gareth McCrorie carved through the defence from 30m out to touch down between the posts, Conv successful 0-7
The match continued with Garnock having the upper hand and constantly pressing the home defence. The next score came when some sharp handling up the blind side released hooker Richard O’Neil to break clear from 20m and reach the line unchallenged. Conv good 0-14
With 15 minutes gone Garnock looked comfortable and well in control. Five minutes later the visitors increased their lead from a close range lineout. The ball was secured by Cameron King and from the resultant maul Garnock drove forward and it was that man King again in possession when it crashed over the line. Conv wide 0-19
It was only at this point that Cartha came alive and spent long periods in possession in the Garnock half. They added two deserved tries during the final 15 minutes taking the score at the half to 14-19.
Garnock were clearly the stronger side in the first half however a number of errors and indiscipline allowed Cartha territory and possession at regular intervals.
The second half started in similar fashion to the first with Garnock dominating possession however it took 15 minutes for them to add to the scoreline. From another close range lineout Garnock set up a maul from which Stuart Wilson broke free 5 metres out to score. Conv good 14-26
There is not a great deal to say about the next 10 minute with both teams huffing and puffing but neither could produce a clear cut chance.
The next score came with Garnock again in the home 22. A neat break from centre Ally Anderson saw him bought down just short of the line and second row Alan Miller was on hand to score. Conv good 14-33
With nothing to lose Cartha will a little more adventurous particularly when Garnock were reduced to 14 following a yellow card. They scored a further try following a missed tackle to take the score to 21-33
Garnock recomposed themselves and worked into the 22. A neat kick behind the home defence allowed winger Tony Woods to reach the ball first to score. Conv good 21-40
As time ran out Cartha went in search of the bonus point and with the game almost at a close poor defence again allowed them over the line to bring the final score to 28-40
This was a bit of a curate’s egg of a performance by the visitors however 5 points were gratefully received.
Next week Garnock face Howe of Fife at Lochshore with the visitors seeking a bonus point win to secure the league title.
Garnock squad Shiells, O’Neil, Chapman, A Miller, King, Wilson, Watson, Brocket, Walker, McCrorie, Wynn, Smith, Anderson, Young and Jacobson Reps F Miller, McDermott, Craig and Woods
