Stirling County 31 - 13 Edinburgh Accies: Stirling tighten up to ease fears of relegation

Published on Sunday 30 November 2008 22:44

STIRLING County coach Ian Jardine again heaped praise on his side's defensive qualities after they tightened their grasp on a top-flight lifeline.

Jardine had warned his team that last weekend's success at Myreside would count for little unless they could build on it – and they did just that with a precious bonus point.

He said: "Our defence was fantastic, just as it was against Watsonians. Everyone took responsibility. We were under pressure for spells and we kept them out when it mattered."

Assistant coach Jocky Bryce added: "The boys deserved the win because of their marking and tackling.

"They all have big smiles on their faces at the moment and that's something we have not seen too much this season."

Accies coach Ian Barnes was as honest as ever, admitting: "County played very well and we got what we deserved. Our discipline was atrocious and we gave away far too many penalties."

It was Edinburgh pro John Houston's try that provided the impetus and Aca Ratuva went over for their other first-half score – but the real damage was done after the restart.

It was Houston's first outing since recovering from injury and he could go straight into the Edinburgh line-up for Friday's Heineken Cup clash with Wasps at Murrayfield.

Their other Edinburgh pro, Roly Reid, bagged a third and the all important bonus point was secured by a Chris Faill score.

The trusted boot of Brian Archibald kicked the rest.

Jim Turner gathered the consolation Accies touchdown, while Mike Campbell added the goal and slotted two penalties.

Scorers: Stirling County: Tries: Houston, Ratuva, Reid, Faill. Con: Archibald. Pens: Archibald 3. Edinburgh Accies: Try: Turner. Con: Campbell. Pens: Campbell 2.

Stirling County: J Hope, G Lyndsay, D Lyle, B Archibald, R Reid, R McGowan, G McRorie, M Hunter, A Moffat, W Davies, B MacFarlane, G Gilchrist, C Faill, C Deacons, K Bryce. Subs: J Hill, A Ratuva, A Simpson, J Houston, J Hutton.

Edinburgh Accies: S Moffat, T Brown, I Berthinussen, J McIntyre, D Rattray, A Blair, M Campbell, N Lah, M Price, L Niven, E Stuart, J Turner, R Snape, D Teague, T Drennan. Subs: J Henderson, M Strachan, J O'Kelly, P Arnold, C Dickie.

Referee: R Dickson.