RBS West One

CARRICK 47

GARNOCK 5

GARNOCK travelled to Maybole to tackle league leaders Carrick in their latest quest for league points.

The South Ayrshire squad had suffered only one defeat all season and were in the final of the District Shield. making them strong favourites to winm the match.

The game was only three minutes old when Carrick scored the first of their seven tries.

Stand off Kyle Johnson was on hand to round off a slick handling movement by the home threequarters to score a try near the posts. He converted and it was 7=0.

Garnock rallied and pressed towards the Carrick line. After several thrusts at the home try line they were rewarded when Paul Johnson scored when he darted over from a ruck close to the Carrick line. The conversion was missed but Garnock were on the scoreboard at 7 – 5 after 12 minute

Play swung from end-to end but both defences held strong. However, the Carrick pack looked very strong and increased their lead in 29 minutes when hooker Yan Young burst over for a try. Johnson converted to make the score 14 – 5.

Again Garnock rallied and had their best spell of the game so far. They were winning the lineout ball through their jumpers in Jonny Watson and Allan Miller, Their set scrummage was more than holding their own and the defence was denying Carrick any easy play.

The first half ended with no further scoring but Garnock still in touch with Carrick.

From the restart, Carrick showed why they are promotion favourites as the set up well inside the Garnock half. The visitors held out until 47 minutes when Stephen Raby finished off a rolling maul to score for Carrick. The conversion was missed and the score became 19 – 5.

For the next 15 minutes Garnock came more into the game. Their forwards seemed to have the measure of their opponents and only some sturdy defending by the home squad prevented them from scoring.

In the last 13 minutes of the game Carrick scored four tries without conceding any.

Michael Kirk scored from a scrummage pick-up to score near the posts in 67 minutes/. Johnson converted to make it 26-5 and the Try Bonus Point was secured.

Two minutes later Johnson ghosted his way through the Garnock defence and scored between the posts before converting the easy kick for a 33-5 lead.

With the time at 72 minutes Lewis Clark intercepted a slack Garnock pass and sped 60 metres to score well out. The conversion was good and the score became 40-5.

In the last minute Carrick were awarded a penalty at the Garnock 10 metre line. They elected to run the ball through their backs and were rewarded for some fine interplay when centre Ewan Alexander rounded off the move for a try. Johnson converted to make the final score 47-5 to Carrick.

On Saturday, Garnock travel to Helensburgh to play the local side in a crucial league match. Kick off is at 2pm.