Five-star showing sees County qualify
STIRLING COUNTY WOMEN ................ 36 STEWARTRY SIRENS ............................. 10
Stirling County racked up their third straight Sarah Beaney Cup win with a convincing bonuspoint victory over Stewartry Siren at Bridgehaugh on Sunday.
Conditions were dry with a just a stiff cross wind to make handling a little challenging. Stewartry missed an early kickable penalty before County got on the front foot but were guilty of forcing their passes and a number of good attacks ended up with a dropped ball when some patience and composure were required.
After 23 minutes Stewartry lost their full-back to a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on and four minutes later, Stirling took the lead when Rachel Shankland scored an unconverted try.
Late in the half, County put themselves under pressure with a pass from set piece that spilled into midfield and Stewartry levelled but on half-time, Shankland made another line break, this time down the right wing.
She was brought down just five metres from the line but support gave quick ball for Heather Davis to burst a tackle and score in the corner for a 10-5 interval lead.
They opened the second half with a line-out drive from their 22 followed by a strong kick that took play to the halfway line. With possession secured, Stirling worked the ball to left wing Rebecca More – a former junior player at County who came on for her senior debut at half time. She made a good break and a few phases later, Beth Streets powered through for a good finish, converted by Davis.
Streets then set up Shankland with a kick ahead which bounced awkwardly for the defenders and it was now 22-5.
In the final quarter, Stewartry continuing to compete hard for everything but were stunned by a great Streets try.
The visitors drove for the line from a five metre line-out but Katie McIlwraith defended it, skipper Ailsa Luke turned over the ball outside the County 22 and with four swift passes the ball was in the hands of fly-half Streets who showed impressive pace and stamina to go the length of the pitch. With the conversion added, County took a 29-5 lead.
Stewartry fully deserved a second try for their efforts but the final say went to Stirling. From a ruck on half-way, Kirsty Wilson showed her pace, as she went outside the defending winger and down the touchline for County’s sixth try. Shankland added an impressive conversion from wide out.
The win guarantees County a semi-final place before their last pool match, away against Hillhead on Sunday.
Stewartry awarded Player of the Match to Neve Henderson while County Player of the Match was Beth Streets.