Garnock travelled to face Haddington in what is thought to be the first ever meeting between the clubs. Despite the rain during the week the pitch was in excellent condition however there was a strong wind blowing directly down the pitch.
The Garnock squad was missing a few regulars with Matt Shiells, Donald Morrison and Ronnie Vatuloka all absent.
Garnock kicked off with the wind at their backs determined to make a better start than in recent matches. The visitors were first on the scoresheet through a try from winger Saimoni Raivou which was converted by Keir Walker. Shortly thereafter Jared Reekie added a second which was also converted taking the score to 0-14.
Haddington looked dangerous with ball in hand and scored a couple of good tries of their own taking the score to 14-14. Before the half was finished Garnock added a further try through Jared Reekie and at the half it was 14-21
The home side now had the benefit of the elements which would allow them to play for territory and require Garnock to make ground with ball in hand. Haddington scored within minutes of the kick off drawing the match level at 21-21
The forwards were fairly evenly matched with neither side gaining the upper hand in the scrum or the loose play however Garnock seemed to have an advantage in the lineout. The visitors were next to trouble to scorers when after some good back play Saimoni Raivou scored his second of the day. Conversion was narrowly wide 21-26
In this see-saw game Haddington began to use the elements well and added two tries in short time both of which were converted 35-26. These setbacks did not deflate the Garnock effort and centre Keir Walker took a short line from close range to score between the posts 35-33
With time running out both teams were desperate to take the spoils and it was the home team who took the victory with a final try in the last minute bringing the score at full-time to 42-33
This was an entertaining game with both sides running the ball through their backs whenever possible in the tricky windy conditions.
This Saturday Garnock face Hamilton at Lochshore with a 3pm kick off.
Team v Haddington Chapman, Wilson, O’Brien, King, Synnott, O’Neill, A Miller, Watson, Kearney, R Walker, Raivou, K Walker, Reekie, Docherty, Purewal Reps F Miller, Craig, Collins, Smith
