ALAN LORIMER

After their massive win over Selkirk at Bridgehaugh seven days earlier, Stirling – facing Borders opposition on a second successive weekend – found Hawick less malleable and at the end of a match of oscillating fortunes County were perhaps relieved to salvage a losing bonus point, writes Alan Lorimer.

A hat-trick of tries by skipper Roddy Grant helped Edinburgh open their season with an impressive win over Romania at The Greenyards last night to boost confidence ahead of their meeting with Ulster at Goldenacre next Friday in the second and last of their two warm-up game.