Stewartry RFC fall just short against Whitecraigs in Scottish National 4

Stewartry fell just short on the road at Whitecraigs in Scottish National 4 on Saturday.

The Blacks got off to a slow start, conceding a try in the early exchanges, but quickly got their act together when winger Scott Milligan pounced on a loose ball and beat a number of defenders from inside his own half to level the game.

Whitecraigs edged themselves in front for the second time not long after but again the lead didn’t last long. With a scrum just 10 metres from their own try line, Stewartry decided to run the ball instead of kicking for safety and the decision certainly paid off. Lochy Spence broke the line after a well-worked backs’ move and linked up nicely with his centre partner Sam Tait to put him in under the sticks.

Goal-line defence was solid from both sides, keeping it tight in the middle of the park and forcing the opposition into the wide channels.

Two quick tries before the half-time whistle meant Whitecraigs went into the break 24-12 up.

Despite an early score from the home side in the 42nd minute to make it 29-12, the second half was largely dominated by the travelling team.

Some good kicking and strong carries has Stewartry spending a lot of time in the Whitecraigs’ 22 but they just couldnt find the opening.

Whitecraigs held strong until the final play of the game when fullback Finlay Smith got the ball in hand and rounded everyone on the outside to score his third try of the season and give the

Stewartry boys something to smile about after a somewhat disappointing day.

David Thomson’s side now turn their attention to a local derby clash in the National League Cup, away from home at Dumfries Saints.