Domestic rugby in Dumfries & Galloway is back after the summer as every side, both men’s and women’s, have kicked off their 2023/24 campaigns.
Over the weekend, Newton Stewart hosted Falkirk in a game that saw last year’s second and third-placed teams face off in round 1 of National 2. Despite scores from Mark McCornick and Thomas MacDonald, Newton fell short 31-14 in the end.
Dumfries Saints were also at home and lost by just two points against a strong Boroughmuir side 28-26. Although a loss, the Saints picked up two points in National 3 for scoring four tries and losing within seven.
Stewartry started life in the newly-formed National 4 with a 30-29 win over Strathmore at Greenlaw. Captain Angus Lindsay, Lochy Spence and Archie Nicholson grabbed the tries for the Blacks, while the game was won with a last-play penalty kick from flyhalf John Picken.
At Kilmarnock, Annan came away with a long-awaited win at Bellsland after scores from Aitken Render (2), Alex Halliday, Fraser McMillan, Andrew Jancey and James Kirby secured a 38-22 scoreline.
The Stewartry Sirens faced their toughest test yet in the Women’s Scottish Premiership as they played Corstophine Cougars and were eventually beaten 68-0 in Edinburgh.
Annan Warriors struggled to a 70-5 loss to Biggar on Sunday in the Women’s West 1 regional league. Ashley Clark got the score for the yellow and blacks.
Wigtownshire Ladies were also on the wrong end of a 38-5 loss to Greenock Wanderers. Lydia Smith and Carla Campbell, however, put in great performances and were awarded players of the match.
Fixtures this weekend:
Lasswade v Newton Stewart
Hillhead Jordanhill v Dumfries Saints Perthshire v Stewartry
Annan v Dalziel
Wigtownshire v Strathaven
Glasgow Uni Medics v Moffat
Heriots Blues v Stewartry Sirens West of Scotland v Annan Warriors Wigtownshire Ladies v Ayr
DGWGO Rugby Round-up brought to you in partnership with Ross and John from Dumfries and Galloway Rugby Podcast. Follow The Dumfries and Galloway Rugby Podcast HERE
