Garnock RFC: Winning run continues with Dunfermline victory

The coaches were anticipating a tough game as their hosts were sitting in fourth place in the league.

The squad was similar to the previous week and the only changes saw Richard O’Neill return at hooker and Alistair Anderson taking a place on the bench.

The match kicked off with Garnock having the advantage of the slope. The early exchanges were keenly contested with both packs going at each other in the loose and at the set piece.

The first score of the day came from Garnock pressure in the 22. The visitors set up a driving maul from a lineout however rather than go for the line the ball was released to the backs and outside centre Jared Reekie broke the defensive line to score beside the posts. Conversion successful 0-7.

With 15 minutes gone Garnock were again attacking in the 22 and the referee penalised the home side for a breakdown infringement. Garnock opted for the kick at goal which was successfully converted (0-10).

At this point the majority of play was taking place within the Dunfermline half of the pitch however the home side tried to attack through their backs when possible.

After 20 minutes a speculative upfield kick from the home side eluded the Garnock back three allowing the Dunfermline winger to to take the ball and canter to the posts. Conversion successful 7-10.

This setback seemed to galvanise Garnock’s resolve and following a poor kick off reception by the home side Garnock regathered possession and spread the ball to the backs. Jared Reekie once again broke the defensive line to score. The conversion struck the upright and bounced infield 7-15.

Garnock were using the slope to good advantage and were able to keep the home side in their half for long passages of play. Their efforts were rewarded with a penalty 30m out in front of the posts which they elected to kick for goal. Keir Walker was successful with the kick (7-18).

From the restart Garnock once again worked their way downfield with the forwards and backs combining well. From a ruck inside the 22 the ball was released up the blind side and inside centre Rory Dominy jinked past a couple of defender to score. Conversion successful 7-25.

As time in the first half was running out Garnock were seeking their fourth, and bonus point, try attacking at every opportunity. Good interlinking between the forwards and backs resulted in another blind side break and second row Jonny Watson timed a pass perfectly to give Jared Reekie a run to the line. Conversion successful 7-32 bringing the half to a close.

With Garnock losing the advantage of the slope the second half was likely to be a different proposition for the visitors and the coaches were keen that their charges stick to their structures.

From the kick off the ball was secured by the pack and stand off Gareth McCrorie spotted an opportunity for the backs to attack.

The ball was quickly spread wide and Rory Dominy drew the final defender and released Jared Reekie on the halfway line. Reekie had sufficient pace to flank the covering defenders to score. The conversion from wide out was successful 7-39.

As anticipated Dunfermline had more possession and territory in the second half however for the most part the Garnock defence was able to cope with anything thrown at them.

After 60 minutes Garnock worked their way upfield eventually securing a lineout in the the 22. The lineout was secured and from a neat training ground move in the backs Jared Reekie darted between the posts. Conversion successful 7-46.

To their credit Dunfermline  continued to attack when possible and ultimately following a period of pressure in the Garnock 22 they were able to score. Conversion successful 14-46.

The remainder of the game was relatively uneventful with neither side able to add to the score and the match finished with Garnock taking the full 5 points.

This was an impressive performance from Garnock with the pack having dominance and providing quality ball for the backs to use.

An impressive statistic is that in the last two games Garnock’s backs have contributed 17 tries. Of course this would not be possible without the dominance achieved by the pack.

Next week Garnock travel to Tranent to face Ross High with a 2pm kick off.

Garnock squad: Shiells, O’Neill, Chapman, Watson, Miller, S Wilson, Ramsay-Millar, Brocket, Walker, McCrorie, Woods, Dominy, Reekie, S Wynn, Jacobson  Reps; C Wilson, L Wynn, Craig, Anderson.