Stirling looking to put dent in Gala title hopes

Stirling County will not win the top flight title this season, but having already beaten three of the top four during the campaign they welcome Gala to Bridgehaugh today knowing that they could still have a big say in who is eventually crowned champions.

Back in September, County defeated Dundee HSFP, currently second in RBS Premier A, and the following month they beat current leaders Melrose.

After seeing Currie off 32-24 last week they have now done the double over the fourth-placed Malleny Park outfit. And this afternoon the men in fifth place could put a dent in third-placed Gala’s title charge with another victory.

However, County head coach Graeme Young is not too bothered where the title ends up, he simply wants his side – which has a good blend of youth and experience – to keep progressing and reach the targets set for them.

Ahead of Gala’s visit Young said: “We are fully focused on our own job and having a good end to the season. I don’t worry too much what other clubs are up to, I am just enjoying watching our team grow as a unit and I could not fault their performance against Currie.

“We were disappointed with the loss to Ayr in January, but the way they bounced back last week was really pleasing and the guys are really looking forward to another big match against Gala.”

Young players such as second-row Ruairidh Leishman and Matt Lamb have come into the top team squad in recent weeks and impressed and they are the latest players to progress from County’s superb youth section into the first XV.

They have followed in the footsteps of the likes of Sean Kennedy and Danny Gilmour and when you have up-and-comers on the pitch you always need experienced heads to guide them along.

That is why the arrival of former Scotland A man Steve Swindall ahead of this season could not have been better timed.

Kiwi Young, who took over as head coach recently following Eddie Pollock’s departure, said: “Steve brings a real professional attitude to the squad and it rubs off on others. He has been brilliant for the club on and off the pitch.”

Gala, who defeated County 37-17 at Netherdale earlier in the season, travel on the back of a win over Boroughmuir that left them just three points off the leaders.

Like fellow Borderers Gala, Melrose are on the road at Currie. Given the injury problems Craig Chalmers’ men have had this term he will have been pleased to be able to name an unchanged starting XV for this one.

On the other hand Currie are still missing a few key men such as Mike Entwhistle, but hooker Fergus Scott is back.