Musselburgh - 0 Stirling County – 30

Stirling County confirmed their pre-eminence in nurturing young talent as they captured the John Lewis Youth League Cup for the seventh time at Murrayfield.

Their pack were just too strong for a brave Musselburgh side, who for the second successive year finished as runners-up.

“We knew they were going to be strong up front so we had to match them if we were to have a chance,” said Stirling coach Bob McGowan.

“We didn’t feel in either of our last two games that we released our backs but I think we showed what we could do in that regard tonight.”

Musselburgh coach Donald Macdonald rightly acknowledged that County were the better team but he still has talent at his disposal and it will be interesting to look out for the names of Walls, Slaven, Maltman and Thomson over the next few years.

The first-half was largely dominated by the County pack, with Musselburgh managing only sporadic visits to opposition territory.

Country stand-off Stuart Edwards landed penalties in the 7th and 16th minutes, whereas Musselburgh’s goal kicker, their diminutive scrum-half Brian Walls, had the misfortune to see his long-range attempt from the left rebound off the far upright.

The only try of the first-half was a glorious solo effort from Stirling ’s inside centre Danny Gilmour.  Released by his stand-off, Gilmour broke, then twice kicked ahead to win the race for the touchdown.  Edwards converted and Gilmour managed a pulverising tackle on Musselburgh winger Danny Green before the half-time whistle sounded at 0-13.

Little wonder that Gilmour was named John Lewis Man of the Match, the award adjudged and presented by Scotland backs Hugo Southwell and Simon Webster.

Musselburgh remained under the cosh in the second-half as Stirling No 8 Jason Hill was held up on the try line following a saving tackle by ‘Burgh full-back Rory Thomson on the touchline after Stirling captain Craig Adams’ sprightly midfield intrusion.

It was to ‘Burgh’s credit that they kept their line intact until the 16th minute of the half when from turnover ball at a lineout pouched by Robbie Boswell, his fellow flanker Andy Hutton linked before the backs took over and Gilmour released his co-centre Stuart McIntosh on a short ball at pace for the score.  Edwards converted.

Four minutes later McIntosh added his second try, this time from 50 metres, after a Musselburgh attack had broken down.

And in the final move of the game, Adams crashed over for Stirling ’s fourth try and the presentation of the trophy by Scotland coach Frank Hadden completed a memorable success for County.

Musselburgh: Rory Thomson; Danny Green, Michael Scott, Craig Veitch, Kris Linton; Hamish Munro, Bryan Walls; Lewis Mathieson, Alun Walker, Reece Beveridge, William Fleming, Michael Thomas, Michael Roy, Michael Maltman, Declan Slaven captain

Subs: Gary Steedman, Ross Young, Scott Leslie, Chris Blackie, Chris Britee-Steer, John Lamb, Mathew Wilson

Stirling County: Glenn Bryce; Danny Kirkbright, Stuart McIntosh, Danny Gilmour, Ian Letton; Stuart Edwards, Ross Drummond; Sean Miller, Craig Adams captain, Blair Craig, Jamie Mountford, Grant Gilchrist, Andy Hutton, Jason Hill, Robbie Boswell.

Subs: Graeme Simpson, Grant Smith, Gavin Denham, Stewart McCulloch, Colin Turnbull, Max McBeath, Andy Ritchie.

Referee: David Jack ( Madras College FP)

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