Stags' final preparations climax in style

However there is a need to be more accurate and clinical in attack as well as lower body positions in defence.

The fitness and character of the changed squad was evident and bodes well for the season ahead.

In atrocious conditions the Stags were quick to show their dominance and took a scrum against the head on the home 5m line with Adam Hind scooting over for an easy try converted by Denny.

Stags continued to attack and it was all one direction however a slack pass with the slippy ball led to a spillage in midfield and a hack on from the home fullback to score out wide.

The forwards continued to lay a platform for the backs to attack and a strong scrum where the ball was sharply passed through a few hands to winger Allan who beat two cover tackles to squeeze in at the corner, missed extras.

David Jamieson popped up to drive over for a strong try, Denny adding the extra but the Stags then squandered another certain try.

This should’ve set the alarm bells for the Stags who were becoming a little too adventurous in the conditions and it was from their own scrum on half way that an attempted pick and go led to a turn over with the home side showing some good continuity play to score up the left flank, extras added.

At 10-17 the score flattered the home side and they should’ve been put away on the stroke of half time where Scott Noble, after some strong running, spilled the ball attempting to put the supporting Parsons in unopposed.

Some stern words from Coach Deacons should have laid the foundation for a tighter second half and better control of the game. Almost from kick off, a slack kick led to a penalty try making it 17-17.

Coach Deacons made several changes then the Stags found themselves down by five points. In the past seasons the Stags may have capitulated on going behind however there is renewed belief and improved fitness levels which was evident for the fifth try where the Stags went through several phases until the gap appeared for Jamieson to cut through. He was stopped 5m out however was able to offload to the supporting Kerry to score next to the posts, Denny adding the extras for 22-24 to the Stags.

The game descended into a stop/start affair with Cambuslang regaining the lead but Graeme Bell edged it back in the Stags favour after a good response.

The Stags were reduced to 14 with Bell sent off but though Cambuslang pushed hard there was no further socring against the Grangemouth side.

This week the league season commences with the 1st XV travelling to Cupar to play Howe of Fife 2nd XV.