County need win to save season

Nov 14 2008 by Donald Morton, Stirling Observer Friday

County need win to save season

STIRLING County will run a series of late fitness tests before naming their squad to face Selkirk on Sunday at Bridgehaugh.

Fijian flanker Aca Ratuva and locks Bruce MacFarlane and Paul Wilson are the trio giving most cause for concern, with others carrying niggling knocks.

The whole squad will, however, be hurting on the inside after their 54-13 Meggetland mauling by Boroughmuir on Sunday.

For the first half County more than matched the reigning champions, leading 6-0 before two yellow cards reduced them to 13 men and Muir scored two tries to lead at the break.

Then in the second half, as coaching convener John Wright said, “the sky fell in for 30 minutes.”

Poor tackling saw Boroughmuir run in six more tries before professional Ryan Grant scored County’s solitary try.

“We got a real hiding,” said Wright. “We’re now back to where we were before the Hawick game, where we need to win this to stay with the rest of the teams in the league.

“Selkirk are safe. They’re playing with a passion in front of their own fans and that’s something we have to emulate. We have to come out with all guns blazing.”

Professionals Ryan Grant and Roland Reid are likely to be missing again for County so there is a slight selection headache for the coaching team.

“Whoever plays needs to have the hunger to win,” added Wright. “We’re playing in front of our own supporters and they will want us to perform well.”

Sunday’s game at Bridgehaugh kicks off at 2pm.