After progressing through a tough away semi final against Dunfermline last Sunday, Stirling County u15's reached the final of the Scottish Rugby National Club u15 Final. For many of the squad and coaches this was the third successive final, having lost the previous two finals. This years final was against Currie, the only team to beat Stirling this season, so a tight final was in prospect.
The Stirling County team for one of the few occasions this season was at almost full strength. The tone of the game was set early on, where Currie fielded the kick-off and moved the ball right, where their full back came into the line as speed was stopped in his tracks by Adam Sinclair, one of many big tackles made by the County number 8. County were soon on attack and Matthew Lamb at outside centre made a superb break, stepped the full back and scored near the posts. The conversion was kicked by Fraser Christie. Despite the good start by County, Currie dominated the majority of the half, County giving away too many penalties for getting caught offside or handling in the ruck. Superb tackling across the whole team kept the Currie team out but the pressure told and Currie scored an unconverted try. Further pressure followed and the coaching team were relieved to get to half time without conceding any further scores. Half time 7-5
After the break County took control of the game and pressure led to two penalties kicked by Fraser Christie to put County more than a converted try clear. A long mazy run by Adam Innes almost led to a second try, but covering defence got back to stop the move. A bullocking 30m run
by Colin Hutton gave the County supporters much to cheer about with the run was carried on by Jamie Bhatti but again the cover defence got back to stop the move. Not to be denied, pressure in the Currie 22 led to a series of pick and drives with the ball finally carried over by Ruaridh Cameron, the conversion was missed. This put County 18-5 up and at that point with 15 minutes to go, it looked likely that County would add to the score, but poor decision making stopped a couple of good try scoring chances. In the final 10 minutes Currie started to get some possession and score an unconverted try with five minutes left on the clock. Despite further pressure Currie couldn't cross the County line again and County deservingly won the final 18-10.
All of the squad of 22 played an important part in the win and deserve the plaudits of being the first Stirling County team to win the u15 trophy outright. Scottish International Hooker Ross Ford named Adam Sinclair as man of the match and as team captain Adam was presented the winners trophy from Ross Ford much to the delight of the County squad and large contingent of County supporters who travelled to support the team.
Not much time to draw breath, the u15's travel to South West France on Tuesday evening for their Easter Tour and take part in the Orthez International Tournament on Easter Sunday. Travelling to France as Scottish Champions has a special ring to it. Well done u15's!
