This decider would give bragging rights and for the victor a guarantee of West One rugby next year.
The game started brightly with Burgh fielding a good looking team although last minute call offs hit them hard. The first scrum, usually a marker for the rest of the game saw pressure from Burgh forcing Garnock to ‘pop’ conceding the penalty. This allowed Burgh to take play up to the Garnock line where the ball went through the hands to Howell who scored. The conversion by Ram split the posts, score after seven minutes 0-7. Garnock showed defensive skills beyond their current league position and kept Burgh at bay.
Burgh continued to exert pressure with promising breaks from Howell and Simmons. Approaching the Garnock line the home side forced a turnover and broke upfield. Covering tackle from Rogers saved the day, however from the breakdown there was confusion about the referee’s instruction and Inglis was pinged for coming in the side. A comment from the Burgh back rower led to a yellow card. Garnock slotted the penalty and the score at half time was 3-7.
Garnock, a man up, came out of the blocks fastest. Their chunky inside centre running through was eventually brought down by Howell with a clumsy trip. This conceded a penalty and another yellow card. Burgh were now playing with thirteen men and this was to be their undoing. Garnock attacked again and with an overlap developing Calderwood bought a dummy as the Garnock centre sliced through, evading the covering Rogers and scoring; 10-7.
The Garnock forwards, keen to get in on the act, set up their next try with some short strong runs, eventually crashing over; 17-7. From the next attack Rogers bravely stood up to meet the attack head on and was taken off with possible concussion. The following attack led to Garnock’s third try; 24-7.
Garnock’s fourth try for the bonus point followed soon after but this try was unconverted. Shortly after Howell was caught attempting an interception which was missed leaving a gap for Garnock to score. This try was converted and the score, so close at half time was stretching away as Garnock reached 36 points in 30 minutes. Burgh did not give up and continued to press, eventually getting close enough for Curtis to scamper through under the posts. Converted by Ram this was to be the last meaningful passage of play taking the final score to 36-14. A disappointing result for Burgh who must now wait on other games to ensure league survival.
The GSS man of the match, nominated by Garnock was Scott Simmons. Simmons is sponsored by Gillespies LLP.
Next week sees Helensburgh travel to Kilmarnock who are sitting towards the foot of the table. Hopefully a result there will prove Burgh deserve to stay in West Division One.