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January 29, 2018
A View from the Touchline – BT Premier League: 27.1.18
Stirling County 12 pts (t 2, c 1) v Currie Chieftains 35 pts (t 5, c 5)
Despite the inevitable fixture disruptions at this stage in the season, Ben Cairns must be delighted with the way that his team are maturing and warming to their task; to secure a place in the play-offs. Stirling quickly made an impression with physical boisterous attacking rugby that produced an early lead, but the Chieftains weathered the storm, patiently kept their composure and were then dominant for the remainder of the match.
After several days of heavy rain, and surrounded by a swollen river Forth, Bridgehaugh could have been another weather casualty this weekend. With clouds gathering around the Ochil hills, a blustery gale-force wind, which was a significant factor throughout, and a greasy soft pitch, this was not going to be an easy match against a Stirling team that had promised much, but just failed to deliver; although they had caused problems for high-flying visitors. Playing with the wind, Stirling soon had Currie pinned deep in their 22. From a penalty lineout, the well-executed driving maul resulted in an unconverted try for Ruairidh Leishman.
It was futile kicking into the gusting wind, so Currie went through the phases and worked their way to the opposition 22. Considering the conditions, remarkably, the visitors had few handling errors, although the slippery surface did finish a couple of good-looking moves. The terrier-like Stirling defence was everywhere, and shepherded ball-carriers from touchline to touchline. With a quick dash, and the sweetest of dummies, the impressive Charlie Shiel nipped through the smallest of gaps which he had created; as the defensive cover flew past he was in under the posts. Jamie Forbes had no trouble with the conversion.
Thomas Gordon, fresh from his outing with the Club International squad, rampaged 20 metres into the Stirling half to spark another Chieftains attack. When possession was eventually lost, Jonny Hope sent a clearance kick 60 metres that reversed the roles. For the next five minutes Stirling bashed away at a resilient Currie defence, but Stirling’s haunting demons started to return as errors halted progress. It looked as if Currie had broken the siege, but from a scrum on the visitors’ 22, Stirling produced a try of quality that demonstrated how good they can be. Right wing Logan Trotter looped around and linked into some mid-field interplay; he straightened up and streaked 20 metres for the line; wow! Jonny Hope converted.
The home team kept up the pressure by taking advantage of the wind and some good positional kicking. Any Chieftains possession always met a stout defence. When the speedy Glen Faulds made ground down the stand side touchline, it presented some opportunities; Fergus Scott, Andrew (AP) McWilliam, Vince Wright and Rhys Davies propelled play forward, and the backs showed their mettle. The ball was moved magnificently across the pitch to the talented Matthew Hooks; his dummy show and speed took him over for a well deserved try. Jamie Forbes conversion was exceptional, as was his kicking throughout. Just before halftime, Stirling did have a chance of regaining the lead, but the penalty kick failed.
Halftime score – Stirling County 12 pts, Currie Chieftains 14 pts.
Although it was mild, the wind, accompanied by a few drops of rain, felt cold on exposed skin, particularly fingers; but this did not bother Currie. Almost from the re-start Thomas Gordon picked up a loose ball and sprinted 30 metres; Robbie Nelson was on his shoulder for the try-scoring pass which appeared to knock the stuffing out of Stirling, who, for the remainder of the match showed very little of their first half vigour. Jamie Forbes converted and from then on it was almost one-way traffic.
Hamish Bain, who in conjunction with the throwing of Fergus Scott had secured Currie lineout ball, and disrupted the oppositions, was performing at top level; his work rate was reminiscent of Johnny Gray when he played for the club. When the big lock took an attacking pass five metres out there was no stopping him. Jamie Forbes converted the bonus point try. Fighting against the strong wind and trying to stop an irrepressible Currie fifteen was proving too much for plucky Stirling. Although they had a couple of flourishes in the second period they were rarely out of their own half. The measured, patient Chieftains approach is testament to their developing maturity. The pressure was unrelenting, and Stirling did well to restrict the visitors to only one more try; Glen Faulds scampered in following a textbook build up. Even when Stirling broke loose of Currie’s grip to gallop 60 metres, Ben Robbins and three other Currie players caught the lone attacker before any Stirling support arrived. This was an exceptional team performance. Glasgow Hawks next weekend, another difficult away match, but at this point in the League there are no easy fixtures. I.I.S. 28.1.18.
Match Gallery & Image available from Stirling County's Facebook Page -
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