Bedwas 25 - 26 Stirling County: Edwards praises County after victory at Bedwas

Stand-in Stirling County coach Henry Edwards hailed his side after their narrow win at Bedwas in the British & Irish Cup.

Scorers: Bedwas: Tries: M Pewtner (2), R Wardle. Cons: E Davies. Pens: S Thomas. Stirling County: Tries: G Lindsay, R Kennedy, D Gilmour. Cons: S Edwards. Pens: S Edwards (3).

Edwards, father of County stand-off Stuart, who kicked the winning conversion, said: “They’re usually tough games in this competition and this one was no different. It was a great collective effort.”

County came into the match having won only one of their last four games – including defeat to the Welsh side in the reverse fixture last week. But centre Danny Gilmour went over two minutes from time to earn victory in difficult conditions.

“We adapted well and played a very good kicking game which I was really pleased with considering the conditions,” said Edwards, who was in charge as head coach Graeme Young did not travel due to an infection.

County host RBS Premiership leaders Ayr on Saturday and Edwards added: “Ayr next week will be a good chance for us to improve our league position on the back of this win. We’ll take confidence from this game now and try to get a victory.”

Bedwas: S Thomas; R Budina, R Wardle, S Williams, M Pewtner; E Davies; L Davies; D Preece, E Dee, M Pettit, P Rees, K Maiden, S Grainger, A Harris, S Feehan. Replacements: J Davies, I George, R Hutchinson, M Phelps, C Lodge, T Organ, M John.

Stirling County: B Addison; G Lindsay, M Bennett, D Gilmour, R Aitken; S Edwards; A Black; M MacDonald, R Kennedy, C Hutton, S Robertson, C Deacons, A Ashe, T Clarke, S Swindall. Replacements: M Lamb, C Turnbull, J Bhatti, S Raby, J Forrester, S McDonald, B Archibald.