Stobswell travelled up to East coast to Montrose for their first game in seven weeks with a bare-bones squad still depleted from a number of injuries and work commitments.

Stobswell started poorly; seemingly struggling from a lack of training over the Christmas period. Montrose charged through the middle of the park with a few pick and go’s resulting in Stobswell being caught offside at the ruck. Montrose took a kick penalty and pushed their way over the line for the first score of the game. The conversation was missed resembling something more likely seen on a football field.
The game settled down after this score and Stobswell slowly pushed into Montrose’s half. A good bit of play by the forwards resulted in a burst into their 22 with Chris Hems and Chris Gourley both trying their luck from picking round the fringes however Montrose were solid. From the next break down, Stobswell were penalised for dissent and Montrose cleared the danger.

Montrose re-entered Stobswell’s 22 and they were kept at bay with some massive hits and some great stealing by Scotty Smart. Mark Gibson cleared the ball into touch however Montrose rumbled the lineout ball over the try line. The score was converted making then score 12-0.
The game calmed down for a period with both teams exchanging runs through the midfield. Stobswell later gained a penalty on the half way and Mark Gibson aimed a perfect kick right onto Montrose’s 5 metre line. Stobswell won their lineout and pushed their way just short of the line however couldn’t find the extras needed and were eventually pinged for holding the ball on the floor.

Montrose made their way back up the pitch and gained a scrum which they were then awarded a penalty at despite their scrum half placing at the back of the 2nd rows feet! Some great defence at the next play stopped Montrose from dotting down near the posts while at the next play, Ali Barron had one of the best hits of the day, driving his opposite number back and forcing the knock on. Unfortunately Montrose won against the head at the scrum and pushed hard for the line. In a moment to forget, Stobswell gained a turn over and a fly hack at the back, trying to clear, went straight up into the air and landed in a Montrose hand just inches from the line. 17-0 Montrose with the conversion missed.
The small band of travelling support were then dismayed when Tam Johnson was sin binned and Fin MacCuish was then hit horrifically late in footage that would be at home on RugbyDump. The referee claimed not to see it and the game went on.

The first half ended as it begun with Montrose forcing their way over in the far corner for their bonus point try. Kick missed and HT score 22-0.

Stobswell emerged in the second half a different team and seemed to up the tempo. From a break that started just outside Stobswell’s 22, Chris Hems found some space and began the long trek to the try line however he was brought down with a high tackle. From the resulting play, Mark Gibson kicked over the top and the ball found its way into Harley Ross’ hands and he was left with a straight forward try. Mark Gibson added the extras however Chris Hem’s day was finished as a result of the tackle and Stobswell were forced to play on with 14 men.
Matters got worse soon after when the referee sin binned Scotty Smart for playing the ball on the ground. The Stobswell 13 fought on and gained a penalty from a scrum where Montrose were finally pinged for their back row not binding properly. Another penalty followed and Johnny Hall pirouetted through the defence and popped off to Graeme Craig on his outside who ran in unchallenged for Stobswell’s second try. The conversion was missed leaving the score at 22-12.

Stobswell continued to show their dominance in the second half but were unable to find a way through some resolute Montrose defence. Mark Gibson was unlucky when he almost caught his own up and under attempt only for the full back to attempt a tackle forcing the knock-on. Both teams then had a go at attacking each others line before Johnny Hall had the hit of the day, mullering their inside centre who seemed to think he was on a Sunday stroll.

Just when Stobswell looked like they might get something from the game, a knock on in the middle of the pitch, in the final minute of the game, landed favourably in their blind sides hands who ran in under the sticks for a try they never looked like scoring. The resulting kick was missed and the full time whistle was blown. FT 27-12.
All in all a disappointing defeat however there were positives to be taken from the game. Stobswell must pick themselves up for the challenge of a home game with Arbroath where there will be a few scores to settle after their last meet.

Final Score - Montrose 27-12 Stobswell

Man of the Match – Johnny Hall