Garnock took on Dunfermline in their penultimate home league fixture in difficult conditions due to the incessant rain which fell for the full 80 minutes. Unfortunately the weather resulted in an equipment malfunction for your reporter (my paper got soggy) and therefore your match report will be brief.
Following two below par performances Garnock were keen to not only get the win but also return to the form which had served them well earlier in the season. The boys put in a dominant first 40 minutes and had secured the try bonus well before half-time. The score at the midpoint was 40-0 with tries coming from Gareth McCrorie, Shelton Ferreira, Ross Brocket, Rory Dominy, Keir Walker and Jared Reekie. Five of the tries were converted.
The only negative in the half was a hand injury to Shelton Ferreira which saw the young flyer having to leave the field and be replaced by Sam Wynn
The coaches took the opportunity to empty the bench early in the half to give decent game time to Kenny McDermott, Fraser Craig and Ally Anderson. Understandably with a big lead the boys intensity dropped a little in the second half however they added three further tries through Jonny Watson, Gareth McCrorie and Ally Anderson. One further conversion was added bringing the full time score to 57-0
This was a significantly improved performance and the coaches were happier than of late. Dunfermline are a decent side and tried to play attractive rugby despite the conditions. The visitors had short spells of pressure in the Garnock 22 however impressive home defence kept their line intact. This is the first occasion this season when Dunfermline have failed to register a single point which is testimony to the defensive effort.
Despite the inclement weather a big home crowd attended the game and this support is very much appreciated by the boys so thank you to those who got wet on the sidelines.
Our next scheduled fixture is on 2nd March against Strathmore away. This is likely to be the toughest test of the season and no doubt the squad will be putting in an intensive effort at training for the next couple of weeks.
Garnock squad Shiells, O’Neill, Chapman, Watson, Miller, Wilson, Ramsay-Millar, Brocket, Walker, McCrorie, Ferreira, Dominy, Reekie, Woods, Jacobson Reps Craig, McDermott, Anderson and Wynn (all used)
