Over a thousand enjoy top class youth rugby

Over 1000 people, made up of around 500 players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters gathered for a memorable day of top quality rugby at Station Park with 24 teams in three age groups taking to the field.

Madras Blues represented the club in the U15s cup final having earned their place against highly rated Stirling County with a series hard fought qualification wins.

Madras crept up to within 30 metres of the Stirling touchline and were duly awarded a penalty for a Stirling infringement.

Harry Mercer slotted the kick through the posts.

The half closed out with Stirling up 5-3 following a try.

After 10 minutes of the second half Madras conceded a penalty and Stirling were off for try number two.

Madras were not going to let go of this one lightly and another dash from Mungo got some hard yards into the Stirling half.

The ball was quickly spun from the resulting ruck, down the back line into the hands of Ross Chrisite and over for a try in the corner.

Stirling won a scrum deep in the Madras half which resulted in a score.

The visitors pulled away from Madras, scoring another converted try five minutes from time.

The final whistle was blown with the score at 24-8 to Stirling.

Craig Bones, president of Madras said: “It was a magnificent and determined performance by Madras, but all credit to Stirling who just kept the pressure on for the whole game and never allowed Madras to turn on their true style.

“Congratulations to the boys and their coaches for doing themselves and the club proud.”

Mark Salter from the SRU said the day had been a “great advert” for youth rugby.

“From the feedback I received on the day, it appears to have been a massively successful day in many ways; the quality of rugby, the enjoyment of the players, the weather, off field behaviour of all who attended,” he said.

“Everyone involved in the day, be they a player, coach, parent, organiser or volunteer all enjoyed the experience.”