Stirling investment handsome on and off the field

STIRLING County members couldn't have picked a better day to unveil their new all-singing, all-dancing electronic scoreboard. They went into the Scottish Hydro Premier Cup first-round clash with Glasgow Hawks as clear underdogs.

But not only did they pull off a notable giant-killing act at Bridgehaugh, they prevented the visitors' portion of the scoreboard from getting off the zero mark.

Former Scotland Under-21 star Brian Archibald's penalty treble set up the gutsy 9-0 success, which underlined County's determination to return to the upper echelons of the club scene.

Twelve months ago, it was Howe of Fife who inflicted a dose of misery on Hawks and the Cupar brigade were shock merchants again as they edged out Kelso 17-16 at Duffus Park. Dundee HSFP created six tries as they swept aside the challenge of Garnock 36-0 at Mayfield.

Danny Levison led the charge with a double, the others being snapped up by Ross Lemon, Jimmy Clark, James Fleming and Stephan Dreyer. Barry Jones converted three times.

Premier 1 champions Ayr strolled into the second round with a 31-9 win at Musselburgh, but West of Scotland had to shake off a sloppy first-half display before disposing of Jed-Forest 14-3 at Riverside Park. It was 0-0 at the interval, however a Dave McFarlane try eased the West jitters before skipper David Young went over.

Conor Davis added the rest from kicks, while Euan Scott landed Jed's consolation penalty.

Struggling Stewart's Melville picked up a confidence boost with a 44-11 win against Hillhead- Jordanhill at Inverleith. A close and exciting first half ended with Stew Mel in command with a 17-11 lead thanks to tries from Jed Gordon, Phil Hendry and Liam Steele.

However, it became one-way traffic in the second half with further Stew Mel scores from Scott Brewster, Richard Borthwick, Gordon and Hayden Lingard. Stu Ker converted three and had a first-half penalty. For Hills, Stuart Ross touched-down and Angus Twaddle kicked a brace of penalties.

On their own turf, Selkirk had to struggle long and hard before they slipped past Premier 2 GHA by 17-13. The visitors built up a 10-0 advantage with a try from Ruairi O'Keefe converted by James Noonan, who also kicked a penalty.

The Souters came back into it close to the break thanks to a try from Rob Taylor converted by Scott Hendrie. However, a second Noonan penalty early in the second period widened the Glaswegians' advantage.

It was then into the last ten minutes before Selkirk secured the win in an exciting contest thanks to tries from Martin Murray and Jason Hendrie.