U18’s Scottish Cup Finalists Ayr Defeat Depleated Stewartry Side

A tremendous cup tie at greenlaw versus the big boys from Ayr. Poor turnout of players for Stewartry (15 only) v Scottish Cup Finalists Ayr’s squad of 22. That said, the Stewartry 15 took Ayr all the full distance. Despite Ayr having a huge advantage in the first half of the wind and being able to have a steady turnover of substitutes, the blacks went in only 5-0 down at half time from a last minute try before the break.

Stewartry U18’s 17 v 34 Ayr/Wellington U18’s

Stewartry started the second half with only 14 fully fit players as hard working prop Connor McGuire was carrying a hamstring injury but soldiered on managing to position himself cleverly to tackle where he could from a standing or walking position. Lack of numbers did not deter Stewartry who quickly scored a great try following a forward break with Finlay Smith offloading to speed merchant Logan O’Malley who jinked and powered his way to score in the corner. Archie Picken kicked over a sublime conversion. Ayr were not to be outdone and scored another try to make it 10-7. Stewartry came straight back into the game and a superb break on the other wing saw Ali Woods outpace the Ayr defence to offload perfectly to Archie Picken to score on the other wing. Once again Picken slotted over beautifully to take it 14-10 to Stewartry. Stewartry’s fantastic defence and tackling (the envy of many clubs in the west) kept Ayr at bay till the last 15 minutes when an infringement saw the blacks have a player yellow carded and with Connor McGuire reduced to a limp from his earlier injury this let Ayr back into the game. With two converted tries taking it to 14-24 to Ayr. 10 minutes to go and Stewartry came back with a penalty taking the score to 17-24, but being effectively two men down Stewartry lost another two unconverted tries before the end.

The robust Stewartry defence and superb attack was not enough and Ayr ran out 34-17 winners. A lot of if’s in rugby folks and that was a big one!! With a bigger squad of at least 19 it would be most disappointing if they do not beat a very good GHA at home in two weeks. As many supporters as possible would be welcome as this may be this great groups last home game before they go their separate ways!! Huge respect to the core of this superb young team who are always there.

Stewartry can take some solace in the fact that Ayr were coached on the day by a certain ex Stewartry Shark Colin Duck and managed by another ex Stewartry Shark Stuart Fenwick.

I’m sure the Stewartry Sharks beloved founder Jim Duck would have loved this game, and in a fine but windy Galloway afternoon for rugby at greenlaw there was no doubt that Jim’s spirit of great hard and skill full rugby, great sportsmanship and friendship between clubs had enveloped the hallowed turf.

Man of the Match was the hard working Second Row Fin Telfer, with special mention to Connor McGuire for never giving up despite his early injury.

Stewartry Try’s

Logan O’Malley – 1

Archie Picken- 1

Stewartry Penalties

Archie Picken – 1

Stewartry Conversions

Archie Picken – 2

Ayr Try’s – 6

Ayr Conversions – 2

Squad:

Andy Budde (Captain)