First and foremost, where do you start with a game like the astonishing 42-42 draw between Stirling County and Aberdeen Grammar? Safe to say defences were not on top today at Bridgehaugh. Although Grammar won the try count 6-5 neither set of coaches will be particularly satisfied with the eventual result. Accies on the other hand will be very happy after getting their first win of the season at Goldenacre, coming from 26-9 down at half time to edge the contest 28-26, whatever Crossy said at half-time clearly worked. Currie rolled over the top of a now struggling Dundee side 47-27 and Gala got the better of Boroughmuir 36-27 at Netherdale. The big battle at the Greenyards went the way of Ayr as they comfortably beat Melrose 22-12. Tries from Sutherland and Anderson were the difference in a stormy encounter. That’s five from five for Ayr in the league now and to add to the euphoria today their second XV also won at Melrose today 31-29.
Of all the Borders teams in the RBS National League (and there are a few!!)it was only Hawick won recorded a win. A big win it was too, 71-6 over Biggar at Mansfield Park. Point made. Kelso lost away 43-31 to Stew Mel, Jed lost at home to Hamilton 35-14 and Selkirk lost at home to the increasingly dominant Glasgow Hawks by 27-13. Hawks half-back partnership bossed the game from start to finish. Watsonians look the only other side in the division capable of a tilty at the title and they won 34-16 at Hillhead/Jordanhill.
Championship A in the West saw another win for Cartha as they made it five from five with a 41-24 home win over Falkirk whilst their nearest rivals Whitecraigs also won at home 20-3 over bottom of the league Dumfries.In Championship B it was yet another win for Peebles but the big game of the day was Musselburgh beating Howe of Fife 49-25 at Stoneyhill. Murrayfield Wanderers continue to turn their fortunes round with a second successive win, this time against Perthshire 34-21.
Into the regional leagues and it was top v bottom as Aberdeenshire travelled to Orkney and duly came away with a 27-18 win to maintain their 100% record. Adding to their joy at that result they must have been really chuffed to see nearest rivals St Andrews Uni surprisingly lose at home to Caithness 27-22. Preston Lodge keep pace in the East, beating Dunbar away 29-16 whilst Langholm got a welcome first win 18-8 at home to Portobello. Finally in the West the Marr bandwagon rolls on, this time they blasted East Kilbride aside 51-3 and their closest challengers Kilmarnock slipped up at home to GHK 34-20.
So for once Ayr’s headline was stolen by that astonishing 42 all draw in Stirling and Accies remarkable comeback at Goldenacre but the league table never lies and Ayr are well and truly in the driving seat.
