STIRLING County survived a challenge to their designs on the top tier of Scottish club rugby, fending off GHA in yesterday's promotion play-off match at Falkirk to ensure a Caledonian presence in next season's Premiership.

The Bridgehaugh side were expected to win the game but despite the 17-point margin of victory, their try advantage was only 5-4, reflecting the dynamic game that GHA were able to produce while operating with limited possession.

"That was probably the best we played this season," the GHA coach, Craig Sorbie, said. "We were unlucky to lose both our props and both our second rows. We're disappointed to lose. We set ourselves the target of promotion this season and didn't quite make it in the league. We then had a second chance with the play-off but fell just short."

For Stirling there was always the possibility of slipping up. Coach Graeme Young said: "There was one team here today with all to gain and another with everything to lose. We identified where they would be strong and we nullified their threat with a lot of good work in the contact area. I thought the boys really played for the jersey today."

County had the advantage in the forwards and in the back line the experience of Glasgow players Ali Price at scrum-half and Fraser Lyle at inside centre was invaluable. Another big contributor for Stirling was Geoff Hope, who, after starting at full-back, filled in at stand-off when Alex Black limped off injured. In the event, Hope played with authority in the playmaker position and capped an impressive display by succeeding with six kicks at goals from seven attempts.

GHA showed their intent straight from the whistle with dynamic tackling that quickly produced turnover ball, from which full-back Chris Binnie sped in for the opening try. But two penalty kicks by Hope and a converted try from winger John Brogan put Stirling ahead.

A second Binnie try after good work by his forwards near the Stirling line brought GHA back only for County to pull away with a penalty try on half time.

Stirling's determined start to the second half brought a quick result as second row Ruaridh Leishman romped over for a converted try but after the game had moved to uncontested scrums following the GHA front-row injuries, the Glasgow men again hit back with a try by scrum-half Peter Jericevich.

If this was a late challenge from GHA it was quickly snuffed out as first teenager Matt Smith and then Lyle crossed for tries. GHA, however, refused to quit, scoring a late fourth try through flanker Ross Angus.

Scorers - GHA: Tries Binnie (2), P Jericevich, Angus Con P Jericevich. Stirling Country: Tries Brogan, Dewar, Leishman, Smith, Lyle Cons Hope (4) Pens Hope (2)