Grangemouth (71) - FirstXV (12)

Match Report

In many ways the score was not an fair reflection on the game. Whereas Grangemouth were always in charge of the match, Lismore's refusal to lie down and its determination to compete for every ball were among the, albeit few, highlights for the visiting side.

In the first 20 min period, both teams battled for the upper hand with much of the game being played between the two 22s, Grangemouth eventually scoring their first try after 14 mins (No 5). From there however, the home side retained a lot of possession and showed the difference that 2 divisions can make. Another soft try (No 16) followed soon after, and Lismore struggled to take any kind of control. Two more Grangemouth tries followed (Nos 11 & 10) but Lismore battled back, getting a well-working - and well deserved - score after a chip and catch by Alan Doak at the end of the period: 19-5.

Period 2 was a continuation of the first, with the visitors hanging back from contact and allowing Grangemouth the time and freedom to run into space and make ground. The match, controlled by the home side stand-off, was still played within the 22s, but when errors were made, it was Grangemouth who were able to capitalise, turning good Lismore field position around with quick hands and quality back row support allowing tries from Nos 6, 14 and 10 to go unanswered. Bringing the score at the end of period 2 to 31-5.

Two tackling errors by Lismore after half-time let in a quick try (No 10), but this had the effect of rallying rather than rattling Lismore, and they continued to press, always looking for an opportunity to score. Unfortunately, by this time, many legs were felling weary in the heat and Grangemouth were almost always at the breakdown first. One more home try (No 14) was run in before the break. 52-5.

With the Lismore squad carrying only 2 subs due to players' unavailability, a number of Grangemouth reserves were given a run-out against their own team-mates in the last period. This at least allowed some Lismore players who had picked up knocks in the game to get some respite. Poor tackling in the midfield saw a rather large back row (No 6) break for Grangemouth and run in under the posts. Later in the quarter, some strong Lismore back running up the left saw Danny Howitz crash over for a try to the delight of the travelling supporters. Unfortunately, Lismore could not stop 3 more home tries before the end, bringing the final score to 71-12.

As stated, the score suggests that Grangemouth were camped on Lismore's line, running in at will, but this was never the case. Strong angled runs by Danny and some good set piece play allowed Lismore to control limited periods of play. But alas, most of the time Dougie had all too little to work with. Grangemouth's ability to make 30 or 40 yards without a man being put on the deck was a worry, and gives the Coach a lot to work on before the League begins in a couple of weeks.

Other Comments

Lismore continue to challenge and compete well at set pieces

Davvy McIvor picks and goes up the blind in one of Lismore's all too rare attacks

Danny Howitz rolls over for a try late in the 4th quarter

Team

Man of the Match

D Horwitz (unofficial award from the report-writer)