On Sunday 3 December 2017 Stewartry Under 16 travelled to Stranraer to play Wigtownshire/Newton Stewart under 16 team in a “friendly match”. The game was played as a 13 a side match with a 61 v 0 victory for the Blacks.
The game kicked off and W/NS soon applied some pressure to the Stewartry line but great tackling and scrambling prevented a score after a W/NS error. Peter Young kicked the ball clear and a great case by Pacey Ho moved the ball into opposition half. Great forward pressure for the ball near the line and slick passing along the backline provided Fraser Gibson with the first score.
Stewartry retrieved the ball and made good progress into W/NS half. A fine drive by the Stewartry forwards set up an easy passing move along the backs for Pacey Ho to score second the try. W/NS were trying at all costs to breach the Stewartry defence but fine tackling and rucking prevented them making much ground. Stewartry moved into opposition half and a fine drive up then blind side by Finn Baillie made great ground and he offloaded to Lochy Spence who glided through the defence to score under the posts. W/NS applied more pressure but was repelled by Saewartry’s stout defensive duties. A great bit of confident handling between forwards and backs near the Stewartry line allowed pace Ho to sprint clear and touch down under the posts.
Half time arrived and some personel changes were made.
The second half started well for Stewartry with a strong scrum allowing Archie Nicholson to pass to peter Young who offloaded to loch Spence who sprinted from halfway to score under posts. After the restart W/NS had a long spell where they showed some real urgency and commitment and were determined to cross the Stewartry line. However, Stewartry’s offensive tackling and counter rucking were up for denying W/NS a score. After a handling error by W/NS Lochy Spence broke free and scored from the full length of the pitch a classic counter attacking score. The game was nearing its end and Stewartry ran in in 3 more tries from Archie Ncholson, Peter Young and Lochy Spence getting his ha trick These were similar in style great tackling counter rucking and sprinting clear to score. A great defensive and counter rucking display by the Stewartry. W/NS kept pressing to the end but Stewartry defence held out to the end.Peter Young had his kicking boots on and converted 8/9. Final Score – Stewartry 61 – W/NS – 0.
A very good outing for both teams with the score maybe flattering Stewartry a little. A great team defensive display and use of the backs out wide in attack.
Alexander Mc Cormick, Murray Connor, Rory Sinclair can take credit for their displays and will benefit from the extra game time.
