GARNOCK travelled to Lenzie in dismal conditions after heavy overnight rain.

Half-back pairing of Jared Reekie and Chrissie Neill returned and newcomer Gavin Paul started in the second row.

This match was a double header with valuable League points at stake, and also the longstanding Gunn Cup, donated in 1968 by David Gunn, ex-PE teacher at Dalry High School.

Despite the final scoreline, this was a closely contested affair and Garnock, with wind advantage started strongly.

After 20 minutes they were 8-0 ahead from a penalty and try by Chrissy Neill, this coming from a nice break by centre Greg Matthew with the veteran showing a nice turn of speed for his age.

Unfortunately the visitors were not using the elements to their advantage, and had a rude awakening when Lenzie flanker Wood broke from a lineout on the halfway line. He linked with left winger Lewis Small who outstripped the defence for a converted try.

This spurred the home team and their sturdy forwards started dominating proceedings, Garnock were lucky to hold an 8-7 lead at half-time, despite losing two players to the sin-bin in quick succession.

After the break, Garnock introduced Chris Spears and Lewis McGeachy. But the Lenzie pack were getting stronger.

Using the strengthening wind and deteriorating weather conditions to their advantage, they scored a pushover try to lead 12-8 after 55 minutes.

Unfortunately Garnock lost hooker Jamie Holmes and winger Tony Woods injured soon afterwards leading to uncontested scrums,but they had the better of the next ten minutes without troubling the scorers.

With 10 minutes remaining the visitors looked like holding on for a losing bonus point, but conceded a penalty try for a high tackle on the dangerous Lenzie right winger.

In injury-time the hosts added a try from a short penalty move to regain the Gunn Cup although the scoreline was somewhat flattering.

Garnock still have a good chance of avoiding relegation with three home games in April to finish the season.

Their next match is on Saturday, March 28, away to Allan Glens.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.

GARNOCK travelled to Lenzie in dismal conditions after heavy overnight rain.

Half-back pairing of Jared Reekie and Chrissie Neill returned and newcomer Gavin Paul started in the second row.

This match was a double header with valuable League points at stake, and also the longstanding Gunn Cup, donated in 1968 by David Gunn, ex-PE teacher at Dalry High School.

Despite the final scoreline, this was a closely contested affair and Garnock, with wind advantage started strongly.

After 20 minutes they were 8-0 ahead from a penalty and try by Chrissy Neill, this coming from a nice break by centre Greg Matthew with the veteran showing a nice turn of speed for his age.

Unfortunately the visitors were not using the elements to their advantage, and had a rude awakening when Lenzie flanker Wood broke from a lineout on the halfway line. He linked with left winger Lewis Small who outstripped the defence for a converted try.

This spurred the home team and their sturdy forwards started dominating proceedings, Garnock were lucky to hold an 8-7 lead at half-time, despite losing two players to the sin-bin in quick succession.

After the break, Garnock introduced Chris Spears and Lewis McGeachy. But the Lenzie pack were getting stronger.

Using the strengthening wind and deteriorating weather conditions to their advantage, they scored a pushover try to lead 12-8 after 55 minutes.

Unfortunately Garnock lost hooker Jamie Holmes and winger Tony Woods injured soon afterwards leading to uncontested scrums,but they had the better of the next ten minutes without troubling the scorers.

With 10 minutes remaining the visitors looked like holding on for a losing bonus point, but conceded a penalty try for a high tackle on the dangerous Lenzie right winger.

In injury-time the hosts added a try from a short penalty move to regain the Gunn Cup although the scoreline was somewhat flattering.

Garnock still have a good chance of avoiding relegation with three home games in April to finish the season.

Their next match is on Saturday, March 28, away to Allan Glens.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.