Stirling County Under 18’s returned to action last Saturday with an away fixture against Portobello. With a number of players involved in Caledonia district representation and with the squad still suffering from a number of injuries, it was a threadbare team that travelled east. The situation was further exacerbated when two further injuries at training on Thursday failed to respond to treatment and reduced the team to fourteen fit players.
With the match billed as a friendly it was decided to go ahead with the fixture. On arrival it was obvious that Portobello saw this as an opportunity to take a prestigious scalp and did not offer to balance the numbers. This probably acted as a further incentive to the Stirling team and they started the match in determined mood.
The opening period saw County up the pace and play with quick recycling and good momentum. Effective forward play and good penetration into the Portobello defence saw a series of penalties awarded and County took advantage with centre Matt Lamb scoring to take the lead 3-0 on thirteen minutes. As the match progressed County continued to control the play with some sound work from the front row of Ash, Gilchrist and Kennedy. A period of continued County pressure on the Portobello line eventually was rewarded with a try by inside centre and captain Scott Thomson, who had a fine match leading by example in an unfamiliar position. The first half was reached with County up 8-0.
Unfortunately the second period opened with a set-back with a try conceded within one minute after a forward drive. Immediately after this Adam Ash was yellow carded after an off the ball incident. Down to thirteen players the Stirling side responded effectively and upped their work-rate in response. Aggressive approaches in the contact area resulted in multiple turnovers to the County forwards and they continued to threaten they Portobello line. The home side began to become frustrated and it was surprising that the referee took a lenient view of some transgressions. With County restored to fourteen players they immediately pressured the Portobello defence an attack with pace on the right was re-cycled quickly leaving Mark Cattigan with an opportunity which he gratefully accepted to score .Lamb converted to extend the score to 15 -5. Some desperate attacks by Portobello were dealt with effectively and County ran out as comfortable winners.
This was a very competent performance by the County lads with Grieg Anderson at prop and Matt Stevenson at scrumhalf making their full debuts and performing admirably. Next week County are scheduled to take part in the Merchiston 7’s Tournament on Sunday and are still seeking a fixture for the Saturday.
