Selection poser for Jardine

Jan 30 2009 by Alan Rennie, Stirling Observer Friday

COUNTY coach Ian Jardine is tempted to give youth a chance as Stirling bid to scramble out of relegation alley.

Visitors to Bridgehaugh tomorrow (Saturday, kick-off 3pm) are Border giants Melrose and it’s a game that County simply must win.

In the past couple of games, 18-year-old centre Danny Gilmour (above) has been County’s class act and now Jardine is thinking about throwing in two of his under-18 team-mates, stand-off Stuart Edwards and full-back Glen Bryce.

This pair certainly have the right pedigree, being the sons of Henry Edwards and Jocky Bryce respectively.

“It’s in my mind to give them a go but perhaps it would be too much of a gamble,” said Jardine. “I’ll decide later in the week.”

Down at The Greenyards earlier this season, Melrose had far too much pace in their back division for County. Jardine himself may recall that he moved seamlessly from under-18 to 1st XV rugby, albeit not at Premiership One level.

Biggest boost at training on Tuesday was the appearance in lively, upbeat mood of skipper Alex Moffat after three weeks on the sidelines with a groin injury.

And Kevin Bryce was cock-a-hoop as well after hearing that he has been selected to join the Scotland 7s squad.

Other news from Murrayfield HQ is that Jason Hill and Grant Gilchrist will attend a Scotland under-19 training evening at Lasswade next Tuesday.

Thankfully, this trio are OK for tomorrow but imminent international duties have again deprived County of the services of star stand-off Robbie McGowan, who will be in Scotland’s under-20s to play Wales a week today at McDiarmid Park in Perth, kick-off 7.10pm.

Another date for your diaries is Sunday, March 29, when Scotland under-18s will play the Boys Clubs of Wales at Bridgehaugh.