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You are here: Match Reports / 1st XV / Stirling County 7th April 2007

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BIG PERFORMANCE FROM 19 MEN

Hillhead Jordanhill kicked off with the breeze at their back in this must win game for the
"Hills"at Hughenden. There was no doubt amongst the 600 spectators that coaches Aaron
Collins and Mike Blackie had made sure "Hills" were up for this game right from the start.

The home side had the chance to put points on the board after 60 seconds when they
were awarded a penalty just inside the visitors 22 following good work by the pack, and in
particular Nick "loose shorts" McAulay. Unfortunately McCullochs kick was wide but he was
to make amends 8 minutes later when he superbly chased a charged down kick and was
hauled back illegally 10 metres from the line. He coolly slotted over to put his side 3 - 0 up

Anyone that thought Hills could go and add to this lead were mistaken as County,for the
next 25 minutes, showed why they are worthy champions with some fine driving play but
some poor handling by the visitors and good defensive play by Marshall and the "Hills"
back row kept them at bay. Although struggling in the line outs the other "Hills" forwards
Tulloch, Fisken,Brown, McAulay and Ross were to the fore in all other aspects of this
match. During this period Johnny Waronwant suffered a nasty shoulder injury and was
replaced by Snowy Cameron. Although normally in the scrum half position Cameron
slotted in to the wing position with ease

With 2 minutes of the half remaining the Hughenden side were awarded a penalty which
not only relieved the pressure but thanks to Cammy McCulloch's boot found them close to
the visitors line. Locks David Fisken and Chris Tulloch started to make their mark from
this line out and "Hills" secured good ball which found its way to Andy Eggleton who cut
through the County defence only to be stopped short of the try line. Quick recycled ball
found its way to David Frame who strode over the line to score an unconverted try

Stirling County were not ready for the half time whistle just yet and the promising Robbie
McGowan capitalised on a "Hills " error to score an opportunist try but found his
conversion rebounding off the post to make it 8 - 5 to "Hills" at the break

"Hills" started the second period in a positive frame of mind and it was no surprise when
they extended ,after 49 minutes ,their lead thanks to scrum half Sam Muir who was in top
form throughout the 80 minutes. McCulloch slotted home the conversion.

5 minutes later,following good forward play,County had another 7 points on the board
thanks to Graham and then the boot of McGowan and this had the home side's supporters
wondering if this was to be their day. It took just 3 minutes for the inspirational Cammy Kerr
and his side to calm their supporter's nerves and increase their lead when David Frame
set up David Mitchell to go over for an unconverted try in the corner.

With the match entering the final quarter and with the home sides subs Walker ,Weir and
Jim Fisken on to help the cause,it was the visitors that had most of the ball but great
defensive work and driving play by Kerr,Murray Allan and Jeff Wright kept County at bay.
With 2 minutes left on the clock a clearance kick by Hills was picked up by Stirling winger
Jackson who made good ground from his own 22 only to see his pass knocked on."Hills"
sensed that they were almost there and following a good scrum the ball found its way
along the backs to Muir who glided over in the corner.

Although Auld managed to score a well worked try for County it was a deserved 25 - 17
win for Hillhead Jordanhill when referee Coutts blew for full time shortly afterwards.