Linlithgow Reds 29 – 33 Garnock
Saturday 26 September 2026
Report by David Mitchell with photos courtesy of Graham Black
Garnock provided the opposition at Mains Park in the latest Arnold Clark National League Division 4 fixture. The visitors have had a slow start this season losing all 4 of their games to date. The home side continue to have a long list of unavailable players, many down to injuries, making it difficult for team selection to be consistent. Playing conditions were good with only a gentle breeze blowing towards the clubhouse end.
The Reds had the early territorial advantage and scored after 5 minutes of play when they stole Garnock line-out ball and moved it quickly to the right wing where Ross Tulloch supplied the scoring pass to Luke O’Hara.
Luke O’Hara crosses for the opening try despite the close attention of defenders
This brought an immediate response from Garnock who scored a converted try after a powerful drive from a line-out resulted in a penalty near the line and this was finished off by one of their hefty forwards.
At this stage, the Garnock back line began to play expansively and with genuine pace which the home defence struggled to handle and it was no surprise when they scored a 2nd try after a 50 metre run by their number 14 led to a simple converted try near the posts. Red’s winger Alex Hall responded with a mazy run from his own goal line up to halfway, however the ball was dislodged and bounced kindly into the hands of the Garnock full back who kicked ahead and won the race to collect the ball and dive over for a try in the corner.
With the score at 5-19, the home side needed a response and were rewarded with a try by Ross Tulloch after he neatly evaded the cover defence of the visitors.
Ross Tulloch scores his first try in his MotM performance
Positive carrying of the ball by several players allowed the space for Ross to go over for a well-deserved try. Early replacements Colin Devlin and Eioan Magee (who was making his 50th appearance), brought real impact to the pack with the latter being heavily involved. The crowd were hoping that the 10-19 score could be held until half time, but Garnock scored a converted try with the last act of the half.
Half time: Linlithgow 10 – 26 Garnock
The 2nd half began with early pressure being applied by Garnock, but soon the home side showed a real desire to get back into the game and gradually they began to create good field position. The reward was an excellent try scored by Murray Johnstone.
Murray Johnstone crosses for another try
Ross Tulloch found touch 5 metres from the Garnock line and from the line-out, Kyle Ormond’s throw was deflected by Euan Mochrie and tidied up by Jamie Tulloch. Eioan Magee charged towards the goal line and then Archie Rusack whipped the ball out to Murray who went over the line for a fine team try. Murray added the conversion to make the score 17-26.
With Jack Frame out injured, Murray Johnstone has stepped up to take the kicks
With 15 minutes remaining in the match, the influential Garnock number 8 forward was yellow carded. The Reds took full advantage, and Euan Mochrie went over for a try after several other attempts just failed. Murray Johnstone added the extra points to take the score to 24-26 and with the momentum behind them the home side went looking for a winning score.
Euan Mochrie finally breaks through the Garnock defence
With only 2 minutes of regular time remaining, the Reds scored what they thought would be the winning try after some excellent interplay. Replacement scrum half Cammy Murrie was quick to take a tap penalty and get the visitors on to the back foot allowing the Reds to take the lead when Jamie Tulloch, Murray Johnstone and Luke O’Hara combined to send Ross Tulloch over the try line and give the home side a 29-26 lead.
Ross Tulloch score late on to put the Reds back in the lead
However, the Reds could not hold out for the win as Garnock claimed victory after a powerful run by their number 14 was supported by their scrum half who dived over for a try to which he added the conversion.
Final score: Linlithgow Reds 29 – 33 Garnock
Reds Team
Front row: Calum McKeown, Kyle Ormond, Andrew Graham
Second row: Kieran Cochrane, Kai Hunter
Back row: Lewis McGill, Jamie Tulloch, Euan Mochrie
Half-backs: Archie Rusack, Murray Johnstone
Centres: Alfie Muir, Aidan Rennison
Back three: Alex Hall, Luke O’Hara, Ross Tulloch
Subs (all played):
Colin Devlin, Eioan Magee, Graeme McCallum, Cammy Murrie
Graeme McCallum came off the bench for a brief cameo performance!
Comment
Having fought their way back from a 16-point deficit at half time, it was a sad end to the game for the home side. However, Garnock’s back division is arguably the strongest and most pacy encountered so far in this campaign and their number 8 played a dominant part in their success.
The Reds are understandably struggling with the number of injuries to key players and the negative effect that this is having e.g. building new partnerships takes time and early communications can be problematic.
On the plus side, the scrummage fared well and the line-outs were competitive where Kyle Ormond linked well without any of his main target jumpers playing! All credit to stand in receivers Lewis McGill and Euan Mochrie. The forwards carried strongly in the loose but without too many clean breaks being achieved.
In the back division, Ross Tulloch was always on the lookout for a break, and he kicked well down the line. It was also great to see the return of Aidan Rennison who delivered his usual tackling master class as well as carrying the ball strongly in attack.
Next week the Reds head to Castle Douglas to take on bottom club Stewartry with a 3pm kick off.
