Stirling County triumph in the U16 National Youth League Cup final

It was a close affair in the first half, with both teams utilising the outside channels and playing high-tempo, attacking rugby throughout the contest.

Stirling County were able to edge ahead in the second-half, however, Biggar battled valiantly until the end.

Stirling County Head Coach, Stuart Keys, said: “We knew the secret for us was to try and play the ball wide and try to use the open spaces and that was where we got our edge.

“Biggar made it exceptionally difficult and they defended brilliantly. They are a powerful pack and really caused us a lot of difficulty so it was a really cracking game.”

It was Stirling County who took the early lead following a successful penalty by Callum Beckett [0-3].

Biggar were able to hit back on the 13^th minute when captain Jonathan Smith powered over the whitewash [5-3].

Stirling County’s response was immediate, however, as Beckett raced over the line to score, with the stand-off converting his own try [5-10].

Biggar winger Callum Smith had the crowd roaring as he brushed off numerous defenders over a 40m run to come agonisingly close to the line, but Stirling’s defence was able to prevent the side from crossing the whitewash.

Following another period of sustained pressure, Biggar were able to get back on the scoreboard as they charged down Beckett’s kick before the ball found Rhys Campbell who sprinted over the line [10-10].

Callum McCallum was successful with the conversion to bring his side into the lead going into the interval [12-10].

​HALF-TIME: Biggar 12-10 Stirling County

Stirling came out firing in the second-half and were able to enjoy the bulk of early possession.

The side were able to capitalise on the 39^th minute when winger Harry Wilson scampered over the line [12-15].

Ryan Deakin ignited the attack for Stirling County’s next try as he cantered up the left wing and outwitted the defence with some neat footwork before the ball eventually found Liam McNicoll who finished the job [12-22].

Biggar rallied and were back on the scoreboard when Samuel Taylor rushed over the line to score. The side were unlucky with the conversion which hit the posts [17-22].

Despite some brave attacking in the closing stages of the game, Biggar were unable to catch-up and Stirling County sealed victory to claim the U16 National Youth League Cup.

Biggar: Calum McCallum; Aaron Millar, Rhys Campbell, Murray Lean, Callum Smith; Euan Laing, Archie Damer; Louis Henderson, Cameron Gray, Ben Nicol, Fraser Simpson, Ben McLeish, Jamie Tucker, Samuel Taylor, Jonathan Smith CAPTAIN

Replacements: Jack McAllister, Ryan Adair, Connor Lister, Kaleb Millar, Harvey Robertson, Callum Yardley, Andrew Wight.

Stirling County: Cameron Blance; Harry Wilson, Ben Yarrow, Liam McNicoll, Necani Racava; Callum Beckett, Scott Sherriff; Jake Galbraith, Jack Smith, Aengus Lennox CAPTAIN, Andrew McCormack, Ruairidh Nelson, Dugald MacDonald, Cameron Lynn, Sam Clark

Replacements: Michael Comrie, Logan Niven, Fraser Roy, Isaac Smith, Jonny Hanson, Ryan Deakin, Dan Hunter.