Rugby round-up: Grangemouth Stags progress in shield, Falkirk lose out in league

The Stags made four personnel changes from the previous week's meeting between the sides, with Bell, Sikora and White returning to the pack and Watters coming into the side on the wing.

Playing in much better conditions than the previous encounter during Storm Boelo, Grangemouth dominated the early possession and took the lead after 12 minutes.

A powerful scrum provided the platform for Balfour to release Kerr, who broke through to score under the posts. Stanley added the conversion.

Sikora extended the advantage following good work from Luke Quinn and Watson, before Jono Venter produced an excellent individual effort to add a third try.

Alloa responded with a well-worked score, but the Stags finished the half strongly, with Venter grabbing his second following a Geldenhuys break before Clark crossed on the stroke of half-time. Stanley converted both to give the visitors a 35-7 lead.

Alloa scored shortly after the restart, but Grangemouth quickly regained control when skipper Clark intercepted possession and raced 50 metres to touch down.

The visitors added two more tries in the closing stages, with Kerr finishing good handling involving the forwards and backs before completing his hat-trick following a counter-attack involving Taylor and Ferguson.

Stanley added six conversions from six attempts and was named man of the match as the Stags secured a comfortable victory.

Grangemouth now progress to an away tie against Blairgowrie in the next round of the National Shield.

There is no game this weekend, with the first XV returning to league action on November 14 when Stirling County visit Glensburgh for an important match in the league campaign. Kick-off is at 2pm.

The second XV also enjoyed a successful afternoon on the road, completing the double over Dunfermline 2s with a 40-12 victory to collect all five points.

In an excellent team performance, Waneen led the scoring with an impressive hat-trick, while Brough and Pete Quinn also crossed the line. There was further reason to celebrate as young Lennain O'Neill marked his senior debut with a try.

McCormack added five conversions, while Waneen was named man of the match following his outstanding contribution.

The seconds also have a weekend off before returning to action on November 14, when league leaders Aberfeldy visit Glensburgh for a 2pm kick-off.

The Women’s team didn’t play in their scheduled Arnold Clark Caledonia Midlands/East Region League Division 1 fixture against Dundee Valkyries 2s. Dundee have been sanctioned four points.

The game is now on at Sunday, January 10 with a kick off time to be decided.

Meanwhile, Falkirk’s first XV lost 54-12 in the Arnold Clark National League Division 2 last Saturday away to Peebles.

Meanwhile, the second XV didn’t play their fixture against Glenrothes.

That game has been rescheduled to Sunday, February 27 with Falkirk also having been deducted three points.

In the Arnold Clark Caledonia Midlands/East Region League Division 2, Falkirk Women won 84-12 against Dalkeith Women.