On a showery and blustery day Garnock travelled to Lenzie in search of more league points
The players were subjected to some torrential downpours during their warm ups however by the time kick off arrived the showers had abated however there was a strong breeze down the pitch
Garnock kicked off with the wind at their backs. The match started with the Garnock pack determined to dominate the opposition however the home side were up for the challenge. The majority of the early play was in the Lenzie half but due to regular indiscipline Garnock were unable to exert any real pressure.
After 15 minutes Garnock entered the Lenzie 22 and for the first time were able to string together a number of phases which resulted in skipper Matt Shiells crashing over for the opening score. The conversion was successful and Garnock lead 7-0
For the next 10 minutes Lenzie came back into the game and looked dangerous with ball in hand, The home full back was a particular threat with ball in hand and any clearing kicks from the visitors had to be well positioned. With 25 minutes gone a series of infringements by the visitors resulted in a Lenzie line out 5 metres out. The home sides forwards were repelled however the Lenzie winger was able to jink through the defence and score between the posts. Successful conversion 7 -7
This score appeared to galvanise the visitors and 5 minutes later Garnock were again in the Lenzie 22 and pressing for a score. A superb line from Lewis McGeachy and the big second row burst through the defensive line 5m out to dot down. The conversion was again successful 14-7 to Garnock
With time running out in the first half Garnock were awarded a penalty 30m out and opted to kick for goal. Keir Walker slotted the points and the referee blew for half time with the score 17-7 to the visitors.
The question was whether Garnock had built a lead which would prove to be sufficient when they turned round to face the elements.
After 10 minutes of the half neat interplay by the Lenzie backs released their left winger who was able to score in the corner. The conversion was missed bringing the score to Garnock 17-12 Lenzie
This reverse would now test the visitors resolve with the deficit down to 5 and Garnock facing the elements. It was at this point that the strong Garnock pack stepped up to another level. They began to dominate most areas of the forward exchanges and the scrums in particular. In the loose No8 Luke Wynn made ground on every carry and wing forwards Davy Ramsay-Miller and Stuart Wilson were constant threats both with and without possession.
After 20 minutes of the half Matt Shiells added a further try for the visitors taking the score to 22-12. Lenzie continued to try to attack however the visitors backline defence held strong and the line was rarely threatened.
With 10 minutes remaining a Garnock backline moved breached the defensive line taking play into the Lenzie 22. Scrum half Keir Walker organised the attack and ultimately released Stuart Wilson out wide and the Garnock No6 finished the attack from 10 m out. A sublime touchline conversion made the score 29-12.
By this time the home side were clearly tiring against the strong Garnock pack and the visitors again worked their way up field. A series of forward playes tied in the visitors defence and when the ball was spun wide impressive centre Ross McCann was able to evade the final tackler to score. Conversion successful 36-12
The referee blew his whistle for full time shortly thereafter and Garnock had secured the 5 points with a 36-12 win
This was a good result for the visitors in a match played in difficult conditions. Next Saturday Garnock take on local rivals Kilmarnock at Lochshore. This will no doubt be a tough Ayrshire derby.
Squad v Lenzie Shiells, C Wilson, F Miller, A Miller, Mcgeachy, S Wilson, Ramsay-Miller, Wynn, Walker, Neill, O’Neill, Watson, McCann, Woods, Perry. Subs Armstrong, Chapman, Wright, Stewart
