It was the perfect day for rugby at Greenlaw on Sunday, as the Stewartry Sirens launched their new season against Howe of Fife, the first time the two teams had met, in the National 1 league.
The Sirens took the upper hand from the first kick off, with prop Lizzie Ballentine turning over the first ball of the game. A pick and go from centre Iona St Joseph led to the first points on the board, and the try converted by scrum half Claire Manson took the Sirens 7-0 up within the opening minutes.
It wasn’t long before the Sirens scored again, with a number of powerful carries from the forward pack taking the home team close to the whitewash, and hooker Lauren Gunn touched the ball down between the posts. Once again, Claire Manson added the extras and the Sirens were leading 14-0.
Howe of Fife weren’t going to make it easy for the home team however, and a change in the weather meant both teams had to adapt to wet conditions and a slippery ball. Some strong defense right on the try line denied Howe of Fife a score in the first half before a turnover from fly half Jenny Yates led to Gunn’s second try of the day, and took the Sirens to 19-0.
The Sirens continued to carry strongly through Chloe Johnstone, Clare Dooley and Sammy Durnan. Good teamwork spinning the ball wide saw fullback Phaedra Snailham cross the line for the Sirens final try before half time. Converted again by Manson, the Sirens went into the break with a 26-0 lead.
It was much of the same in the second half. A strong scrum from the Sirens forward pack meant the Stewartry had a fair amount of the possession, although clinical kicking from Howe of Fife’s inside centre meant they made more yards in the second half.
Some excellent securing of the ball by second row Adele Baird denied Howe of Fife another opportunity to cross the line, but an unfortunate defensive decision from the Sirens earned them a penalty try in the second half. It wasn’t enough for the away team, however.
Two ranging tries from Claire Manson, along with a powerful drives across the line from Ballentine and Number 8 Ali Henderson, and a second try for St Joseph sealed the win for the Stewartry side in the second half. With one conversion, the score was 53-7 at the final whistle.
A strong start to the season for the Sirens, they face local rivals Annan away on Sunday 25th of August.
The Sirens next home game is on Sunday 1st September vs Glasgow University. Kick off 2pm.
Player of the Match (chosen by Howe of Fife): Ali Henderson
Player of the match (chosen by Stewartry): Lauren Gunn
