U18s see off college

Nov 19 2008 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

Stirling County U18s 21

Aberdeen GS U18s 12

STIRLING County Under 18’s continued their preparations for their forthcoming John Lewis national cup quarter final tie with a return fixture against Robert Gordon’s College from Aberdeen. The previous match in Aberdeen had ended with a narrow win for the north side and County were keen to reverse the scores.

The match started in good conditions with only the blustery wind to be taken account in the team plan. County opened with some aggression however, this resulted in an early yellow card for flanker Billy McCulloch for over enthusiastic use of the boot in a ruck. County had to endure a period of visitor dominance as the extra man took effect particularly at the contact area. Despite this the home forwards gradually got to grips with the Gordon’s pack and the situation was reversed as the visiting Number eight was ‘binned’ for persistent infringements in the ruck.

County took quick advantage when a quickly released ball allowed centre Danny Gilmour to make a break and leave the visitors defence in his wake as he out-paced the cover to score under the posts. Stuart Edwards converted to take a 7-0 lead. As the Gordon’s number eight returned, pressure on the County line was rewarded with a drive over to reduce the lead to 7-5 as the break was reached.

County re-grouped and started the second period with a greater competitiveness in contact and began to feed the backs with quicker ball that created a constant threat with good handling. The County front-row of Simpson, Hiddlestone and Leeson assertive approach began to turn the forward battle and the backs began to threat with every good ball. Within ten minutes of the re-start scrum-half Sean Kennedy spotted a gap just outside the twenty-two and his pace burned the cover defence as he skipped over to score between the posts. Edwards conversion extended the lead to 14-5. However, once again the extended lead was short-lived as the Gordon’s pack again used technique and strength to drive over.

With 10 minutes remaining County scored the try of the match. A long kick was fielded by full-back Craig Robertson to winger Fynn Russell who ran from deep. Inter-passing with his stand-off Stuart Edwards carved open the visitors defence and a fine looped overhead final pass released Russell to score under the posts. A great score that sealed the match. Edwards again converted to take the score to 21-12. The final few minutes were played out with County a man down as flanker Andy Ritchie was sin-binned for indiscipline at the break-down.

County will be pleased with the result and the response to a physical and highly competent Robert Gordon’s side. In the 2nd XV fixture County also ran out convincing winners 41-10 against the Gordon’s second string. Next Saturday County U18’s are scheduled to meet Stirling University at Bridgehaugh in an Under 20 fixture.