Tennent's West One

GARNOCK 8

EAST KILBRIDE 13

GARNOCK took on East Kilbride at Lochshore on Saturday, hoping to close the the gap at the top of the table.

Miserable weather conditions with a strong north wind and driving rain spoiled the match as a spectacle and they just came up short.

Playing into the elements in the first half, the home team made a bright start but East Kilbride's forwards looked very strong, forcing two penalties, both of which were converted by centre Scott Spankie.

Garnock were stealing a few lineouts through Johnny Watson but couldn't get on the scoreboard an on the half hour, EK increased their lead. Flanker Roddy Beaton turned up on the right wing to score a try after good interplay between several players. This was spectacularly converted from the touch line by Spankie, making it 13-0.

Trying to keep the deficit low before half-time, Garnock forwards had a good spell leading to a driving maul, allowing scrum half Keir Walker to nip over for a unconverted try.

After the break with the score at 13-5, Garnock monopolised territorial advantage but couldn't turn this into points. Battling for tries from lineouts in both corners they spurned goal kicking opportunities with a gale at their backs, but the visitors were equal to the task.

Their powerful forwards kept control of the ball, not kicking possession away and Garnock became more frustrated as time ticked on. Keir Walker kicked a penalty on the hour and they then had a try disallowed. However as the game slipped away the team's discipline let them down and they just managed to hold on to a losing bonus point.

This Saturday sees Garnock head to Fort Matilda for a clash with Greenock Wanderers, ko 2pm.