For the second season in a row Garnock were drawn to face Ardrossan Accies in the first round of the National League Cup. The teams have had contrasting starts to their league campaigns with Ardrossan winning all but one of their Nat 4 games however Garnock have shown improved form in recent weeks.
Following the rain during the week the pitch was soft underfoot and overhead conditions were dry but blustery. The match kicked off with Garnock having the benefit of the slope and the wind. The first score came after 15 minutes when following a period of pressure in the Ardrossan 22 the ball was released to the backs allowing Jaden Smith to score in the corner. Conversion good 7-0
In the 23rd minute Garnock secured possession in midfield before Petero Canakaivata made a strong break into the 22 and two phases later Jaden Smith went over in the corner for his double. Conversion good 14 -0. At this point Garnock were in control and looked threatening when in possession however for the remainder of the half Ardrossan grew in confidence and attacked whenever the opportunity arose but were unable to open their account.
For the first 20 minutes of the second half Ardrossan attacked with purpose and Garnock appeared to have lost concentration in defence. Ardrossan showed why they are chasing promotion in Nat 4 with two well worked tries both of which were converted 14-14
At this point the home side would either galvanise their efforts or fold to a disappointing defeat. The next score was likely to prove crucial to the outcome and it went to Garnock. A speculative kick from Garnock was poorly handled by the visitors in midfield and the home side regained possession . The ball was fed wide with Iosefo Turaga making inroads before offloading to Petero Canakaivata who covered the final 20 metres to score. Conv wide 19-14
The score appeared to restore Garnock’s confidence and they once again attacked through both backs and forwards. With 5 minutes remaining Garnock’s Cammy King was deemed to be held up over the Ardrossan line. The resulting drop out was fielded by Rory Walker who spread the ball to Keir Walker who in turn released Petero Canakaivata up the touchline. The winger was halted 15 metres out but offloaded to the supporting Keir Walker to score. Conv wide 24-14
There was no further addition to the scoreline in the remaining minutes with Garnock progressing to Round 2. Their opponents are Kirkcaldy and the match is scheduled to be played at Beveridge Park on 15th November
Garnock squad Shiells, O’Neil, Chapman, King, Anderson, Kororua, A Miller, Wilson, Kearney, K Walker, Canakaivata, Vatuloka, Turaga, Smith, R Walker Reps F Miller, K Miller, Collins, Purewal, Holmes,
