STEWARTRY UNDER15’s END SEASON WITH A WIN

Stewartry Under 15’s – 31

Ballina Under 15’s – 19

A great win to end another very good season with, against tough opposition in the form of Irish touring side Ballina from County Mayo.

Stewartry got off to a storming start and following great interpassing and rucking, hooker Andy Budde smashed his way through the middle of the opposition pack top score under the posts. Joseph Strain converted. However Ballina has not came along to make up numbers and within 10 minutes had scored a try out on the wing. Stewartry’s Joseph Strain scored another from a good interpassing, but this was not converted. Ballina pressed hard for an equalising try before half time but strong Stewartry defence kept them out.

The second half started in much the same way with Joseph Strain intercepting loose ball and jinking and sprinting his way to the try line to score and convert himself. Once again Ballina came right back and scored and converted another. The Irish boys pushed again for the equaliser and were beginning to get on top of the rucking game against the Stewartry Pack having a lapse in concentration. Stewartry’s defence held firm though and eventually they worked back up field allowing 2nd Row Winkie to smash over.

Again the tough boys from County Mayo were not to be beaten and they quickly replied with a converted try following great interpassing. This brought them to within striking distance of Stewartry at 24-19. However once again Stewartry fought back, and with rucking improving again a platform was made to allow fast ball out to Lochie Spence to score out wide. Joe Strain converted to make the final score 31-19.

A great hard fought win to end the season. Man of the match was a very well deserved Lochlann Spence. Many new friends were made and a BBQ and games were enjoyed by all afterwards to round off another great 15 a side season.

Stewartry are playing at a 10’s Tournament at Cumnock on Sunday 5th June 12.30 KO. Light and informal training continues on Wednesday nights at the rugby club until the tournament.

Many thanks to all who have helped this season including the catering & bar team, the sponsors and the coaching team.

Stewartry Try’s:

Andy Budde 1

Lochie Spence 1

Joseph Strain 2

Winkie 1

Stewartry Conversions:

Joseph Strain 3

Stewartry Squad:

Andy Budde

Archie Holman

Archie Nicholson