Carrick keep their cool to claim victory in Shield final

Car rick head coach Gordon Brown hailed his side for their togetherness and ability top roblem solve on the pitch after they wont heBT Shield a tB T Murray field on Saturday.

Hawick Harlequins went into the break 12- 7 up but the fitness and pace of Carrick saw them through to a 39-19 win, with Cal - lum Smith, pictured, who scored a try in the first half for the Ayrshire side, picking up the man of the match award.

It was the third time in a row they have claimed this trophy and Brown said :“The boys did not panic when we went behind and, at halftime, they managed to put a few things right between themselves and I always had faith that they could come through and win it.

“They’ ve worked very hard. The space out there on the international pitch suited us. We had pace in players like Lewis Clark. He’ s scored seven tries in three finals and that is some record.

“Most of the guys have come through Car rick Academy and the club system and that gives them real pride in what they are doing.”

The match was still in the mix right up until the hour mark when a converted try from Bruce Campbell put Quins just 22- 19 down. However, Clark completed his try double and Carrick came out on top.

Earlier in the day, Ross Sutherland wont heBT Bowl. John Gordon and Andy Mckay scored tries for the 12- 3 victors against Wigtownshire, with John Mann, the player/ coach, kicking a conversion and being named man of the match.

Mann said: “They were just hard as nails and they really made us work for it. Their defence was just mighty so we just had to kick over or around them.”

Wig towns hire captain David Watson said: “We’re not going to let the result dampen our spirits. It has been a tremendous season. Everyone has pulled together for the club.”