Cougars to host reigning champions Stirling in final

The 1:30pm game will be live streamed on scottishrugby.org from 1:20pm onwards for those unable to make it to Union Park in person.

Cougars go into the final unbeaten in 14 matches – the entire league season, which includes two wins over their opponents Stirling. Those were a 34-22 victory in round four, and subsequently a 20-19 win at Union Park in November.

Stirling have developed into a juggernaut of their own as the season has progressed. Early setbacks were quickly overcome and the team finished the league season on a four-game winning streak of their own.

Corstorphine captain Emma Turner heaped praise on her players for their work ethic and ‘never say die’ attitude in challenging games.

“Well, it’s been a pretty perfect season on paper, but by no means was it easy. There have been some games where it’s really come down to the wire. But we always knew that and always expected some games would be like that.

“The hard work and determination of the team has really shone through and we just want to win.

“The first time we played them it was a bigger scoring game, and the second time it was just a point difference – I’m not really sure what to expect this time. We went to them a few years ago in the final, and the occasion got the better of us. This time around they’re coming to us and we’ll give it absolutely everything.”

Stirling captain Ciorstaidh Ainsworth said there have been a handful of stand-out performers in the team, and her side would challenge the Cougars on every front.

“A big game for us was against Hills (Hillhead Jordanhill). We were coming off the back of a couple of losses and it would’ve been easy for us to let our heads go down. But we kept our heads up and that was a good win for us.

“A few of our key players have been Heather Davis, Rachel Cox and Sam (Samaanther Taganekurukuru). They’ve really led the way in the forward pack, some massive carries and big tackles too.”

Team sheets

Corstorphine Cougars

15 Kiyomi Honjigawa
14 Emily Love
13 Jess McClintick
12 Lisa Martin
11 Erika Gladwin
10 Tanya Griffith
9 Pip Benson

1 Emma Donaldson (vc)
2 Kaylee Fraser
3 Katie Lindsay
4 Caitlin Hadley
5 Adelle Ferrie
6 Emma Turner (captain)
7 Alex Stewart
8 Merryn Gunderson

Replacements
16 Abby Anderson
17 Faye Sutherland
18 Lauryn McGrotty
19 Zoe Turner
20 Rebekah Douglas
21 Caitlan Sedgeworth
22 Morgan Welsh

Stirling County

15 Sky Phimister
14 Brogan Henderson
13 Fionn Keys
12 Ciorstaidh Ainsworth (captain)
11 Emily Norval
10 Ceitidh Ainsworth
9 Jodie Murdoch

1 Chloe Brown
2 Aicha Sutcliffe
3 Rachel Cox
4 Sarah Murdoch
5 Sophie Murphy
6 Kiera MacDonald
7 Heather Davis
8 Samaanther Taganekurukuru

Replacements
16 Eilidh Graham
17 Megan Kennedy
18 Paige Aitken-Robinson
19 Holland Bogan
20 Aimee Dallas
21 Rachel Crawford
22 Alanna Beetham