League leaders Stewartry travelled to Fintry knowing that a bonus point four try win would secure second place in Tennent’s West One as earlier in the week Irvine dropped out of the league and Allan Glen’s had been allocated two bonus point wins ten points to secure the title and Garnock could not catch Stewartry.
Stewartry had beaten Strathendrick 93-0 down at Greenlaw earlier in the season but the Blacks had seven regular’s missing from the lineup and a tighter game was forecast.
Strathendrick were being pushed back in the scrums but winning the lineouts as Stewartry put the pressure on with captain John Picken showing the way with the opening try. 0-5 the conversion missed as would another five with no kickers available. A number of penalty awards to the home team seen the open their account with 3 points.Hugh
Carson was on hand to finish a forwards play with a second try 3-10. A generous Andy Wilson trying to keep the ball in play saw the Strathendrick take the free ball in for a try. 8-10.
Stewartry hit back in 25minutes John Picken going down the blind side for the third try. Ty Wilson hit the post with the conversion. Half time 8-15. After the half time chat Strathendrick went on the attack and a converted try took them level 15-15 and looking at the young Strathendrick producing a surprise win. The Stewartry started to put their game together with a number of changes. Jason Forsyth led the way with two tries the first one converted by Scott Milligan 15-27.
Andy Wilson made up for his gift in the first half scoring the Blacks sixth try in the corner 15-32. It was game over with Stewartry adding a seventh try to win 37-15 against a spirited young Strathendrick side who can look forward to next season on this showing.
Stewartry’s Mick McCulloch was voted man of the match.
