Valuable league win for the Accies
Stirling 3rds’vital victory against their Kirkcaldy rivals
Five of Stirling County’s successful Under 18 squad helped the club 3rd XV to a vital league win on Saturday.
The 3rds - known as Stirling Accies - play in BT Caledonia League Division 2 Midland League and feature a blend youth and experience with several Stirling University also playing.
It is also a way to provide a pathway for the Under 18s coming into senior rugby and on Saturday at home to Kirkcaldy 2nds, five of County’s cup winning U18s played.
Stuart Imrie scored the first try and with a conversion followed by a penalty the team were 10-0 up but Kirkcaldy levelled matters before Billy Dineen drove over to score. U18 Lachlan McKay then scored followed by Bryce Robertson to give Accies a 29-10 half-time lead.
Brothers Craig and Callum Jardine - sons of former international Ian - started a senior match for the first time with the latter scoring to make it 36-10.
Kirkcaldy scored a converted try but Andrew Rutherford, enjoying his first senior game, completed the scoring and with one game left at home to Madras on Saturday, a win will secure their league status.
Under 18s head coach Matt McGrandles said: “Winning is great but pathway and player development is much more important.
“It’s days like this when you see those players coming through and playing senior rugby that make the job worth it - eight players in total in the squad have come through the U18 pathways with five of this season’s U18s making their senior debut. None of them looked out of place.
“Better still we had 20 U18s in the stand from the squad cheering them on ready to take their place next year.”
Tickets are still available for Silver Saturday which includes the BT Cup final between County and Melrose on Saturday, April 28. The prices for unreserved seating in the West Stand are adults £20; concession £10 and U18 £5. For more details logo on to the club website at www. stirlingcounty-rfc.co.uk.
The club is offering fans the chance to have lunch in the Bridgehaugh clubhouse before travelling to the final at Murrayfield by coach. Twocourse lunch and coach travel costs £30. Timings for the day - lunch served 12.30pm, coach departs Bridgehaugh 2.45pm, returning to Bridgehaugh at 6.45pm.
To secure your place please contact Emma or Elaine on 01786 478866 or emma@stirlingcountyrfc.co.uk.