Capital date for Under 18s

Jan 28 2009 by Jean Pedder, Stirling Observer Wednesday

STIRLING County Under 18’s made it two Murrayfield finals in successive years when they eliminated GHA from the National Youth Cup last Saturday.

A 31-6 win in the semi-final ensures another prestigious visit to the National Stadium later in March for County.

County opened with some handling errors which were forgivable considering the heavy pitch conditions at Bridgehaugh. Nevertheless within five minutes after having caused panic in the visitors rearguard on the left, winger Jamie Anderson popped up on the opposite wing to latch on to break in midfield to score near the posts. Stuart Edwards extended the score to 7-0 with the conversion.

Every time the County backs received quick ball they looked dangerous and after some fine handling, centre Mark Marchbanks burst through the centre to score between the posts. Unusually, Edwards’ conversion was charged -down by the onrushing GHA defence. County were now up 12-0.

The GHA forwards began to dominate the set piece and secured a number of turnover balls particularly when County forced their way into the GHA red zone. A ruck infringement and resultant penalty got GHA on the scoreboard on 26 minutes.

When the ball was moved County continued to look impressive and good handling and support was rewarded on the half hour mark when back-row forward Billy McCulloch scored following a midfield incursion. Edwards made no mistake with the conversion and County were up 19-3.

As the half-time break approached County had been guilty of attempting too much rugby in their own half and GHA threw themselves a lifeline with another penalty score after a breakdown infringement. Half-time, County 19, GHA 6.

County opened the second period with a more purposeful kicking game and pushed the visitors deep into their own half.

There was the feeling that a GHA score would change the game or a County score would secure the win. Both teams had some half chances but the conditions prevented any attack completion. Twenty-two minutes into the half, after a team warning, County were reduced to fourteen players when one of the forwards paid the penalty with a yellow card after multiple penalties for going into the ruck from the side and slowing the ball.

With only thirteen minutes left the pressure was on County and GHA were lifted. However, County were the team to go forward when they chased a long clearance kick and winger Craig Robertson charged down the resultant attempted kick, picked up and won the race to the line to score. Edwards slotted a fine conversion from the touchline to extend the lead to 26-6 with seven minutes to go. There was no way back for GHA and they were further punished when County replacement Robbie Hogg made a break on the left. With the fullback approaching Robbie had the presence of mind to kick ahead and race in to touchdown. Edwards could not repeat the wide conversion and the match closed County 31 GHA 6.

A five try win in any competition is exceptional and the players will feel with better conditions a substantially better performance is well within their reach.

County now travel to Murrayfield with a currently scheduled date of Wednesday, March 25 for the final (although this has still to be confirmed) to meet Currie who defeated West of Scotland in the other semi-final tie.