Dundee HSFP 12 - 22 Stirling County: Dundee challenge ends in frustration

DUNDEE High’s challenge for a first ever Premier 1 title faded in the face of a vigorous challenge by Stirling County who, in scoring four tries, claimed a late win and the final place in next season’s British and Irish Cup at the expense of Currie.

For the home side, the hope of winning by the 52 points needed to overhaul Melrose evaporated in the first quarter when Alex Moffat and Graham Lindsay ran in tries, the latter converted by Brian Archibald.

Dundee rallied as Andy Dymock and Andy McLean touched down. Jack Steele kicked one conversion.

The game then seemed set to peter out into a draw, until a dramatic last ten minutes when County had Ben Addison and Steve Swindall sin-binned within the space of minute.

Amazingly, Dundee failed to cash in, and instead conceded two tries to Danny Gilmour and Stuart Edwards.

“This was a great advert for club rugby. We have had the perfect end to the season. Bring on next season,’’ said Graeme Young, Stirling’s head coach, while opposite number Ian Rankin could only reflect on the cruel nature of the game.

“We have been dealt hammer blows in the space of a week, losing out in both cup and league, but I like to think we have gained the respect of the rugby establishment. It has been a superb term for us despite the pain of the last two Saturdays,” said Rankin.