Premier B/Cup: Stirling on the brink of Premiership return

STIRLING County coach Eddie Pollock couldn't disguise his satisfaction after watching his troops take another giant leap towards Premiership top-flight safety by beating Watsonians 20-12 at Bridgehaugh.

Pollock was particularly happy with the manner in which his men coped with the physical threat of the Myresiders. He said: "It wasn't a great game but I have to give credit to Watsonians. They were very hard and very committed at the contact points. We probably need one more win to guarantee a return to the top flight."

County earned victory with tries from scrum-half Gordon McRorie, captain Alex Moffat and flanker Tim Clarke. Brian Archibald added a penalty and single conversion. Watsonians' scores came from Jamie Blackwood and Ben Di Rollo, the first converted by Jamie Forbes.

West of Scotland's woes deepened in Premier B as they crashed 39-10 to a resurgent Gala at Burnbrae. The Maroons created touchdowns for Geno Haurua, Alan Johnston, Bruce Dick and Alan Emond, Lee Miller and Craig Dodds. Miller added three conversions and a penalty.

David Cassidy emerged as the Selkirk hero as they pipped Aberdeen GSFP 25-24 at Rubislaw. He slotted a string of penalties, then the clinching drop-goal. Rob Taylor bagged their only try, while Fraser Lyall, Angus Dixon and Martin Flavell went over for the home troops, for whom Rob Aloe scored three conversions and a penalty.

Melrose cruised to a 36-14 Premier Cup win at Haddington. The Borderers picked up tries through Callum Anderson (2), Jamie Murray, Allan Dodds and Graham Dodds and Ewan Forbes weighed in with two conversions. Mike Legget and Quintin Caulfield replied, with conversions from Ross King.

There was a surprise at Beveridge Park, where hosts Kirkcaldy were pipped 17-15 by Whitecraigs. Kelso turned on the power to crush Morgan 45-10 at Poynder Park, while Hillhead-Jordanhill emerged victors by 20-8 in the Glasgow derby with Cartha QP at Hughenden. Biggar defeated Ardrossan 26-21.