Garnock travelled to face Linlithgow to continue their National 4 campaign. The weather was fine and the underfoot conditions were firm.
As seems to be a recurring theme Garnock started slowly and Linlithgow had most of the possession in the opening 10 minutes. The home side were first on the scoreboard opening with an unconverted try 5-0
Garnock worked their way into the game and it became apparent that Linlithgow were struggling with the visitors strong ball carriers and the adventurous handling of the backs. Garnock scored three tries in short time all from the pack with Joe Chapman, Fraser Miller and Matt Shiells all crossing te whitewash. Not to be outdone the backs then got in on the act with Jake Jacobson scoring a fine try . Three of the four were converted taking the score to 5-26
Despite the visitors tries Linlithgow remained dangerous and sought to attack through their backs when possible. Before the half was out the home side added to their tally taking the score to 10-26
The second half was almost a mirror image of the first with Garnock having the best of the opening exchanges and Linlithgow then taking control. The visitors were not helped by two yellow cards for repeated infringements. Linlithgow scored three tries when Garnock were shorthanded taking the score to 29-26
With time running out Garnock were pressing the Linlithgow line and Keir Walker crossed the line however the referee did not see the ball being grounded and deemed it held up. From the resulting drop out Garnock spread the ball wide and Cian Smith broke up the touchline before passing inside to the supporting Keir Walker who covered the final 20m to score in the corner. The conversion was successful 29-33
The game restarted with only a minute remaining which Garnock were comfortably able to see out
Next Saturday Garnock welcome local rivals Kilmarnock to Lochshore with a 3pm kick off
Garnock squad v Linlithgow Chapman, Wilson, F Miller, King, McDermott, A Miller, Craig, Shiells, K Walker, R Walker, Sule, Purewal, Reekie, Smith, Jacobson Reps Nkabi, Kearney and Docherty
