County's extra reserves of strength tell in storming win

cabinet, but medals should have been struck for everyone on the Burnbrae

pitch.

The driving rain, gale-force winds and hailstones were hardly

conducive to a handling game, yet the players produced an interesting,

if not entertaining, match.

Because of district calls, it was virtually a battle of the reserves

and County proved they have more on the production line than their

hosts. Stirling had reason to be pleased with several first-team

contenders, but it was the class of South African Shane Williamson,

switched from full back to fly half for this contest, which provided the

division in play. His magnetic hands, and eye for an opening and speed

off the mark produced an exhibition more expected on the firm pitches of

Natal.

Outwith Williamson, County had only two others who hold down

first-team places -- flanker Brian Ireland, fielded on the right wing,

and second row Malcolm Norval. But forwards Gavin Douglas, Bob McKillop

and Bob Wyllie gave performances that will make many established players

look over their shoulder.

West's reserve strength is less extensive, yet Jamie Ewart, pacy on

the wing, and grafting forwards Symon Sheridan and Scott McKechnie will

not easily be overlooked.

West's insistence early on of feeding to the half backs, then trying

crash-ball tactics in the centre foundered badly and the forwards

elected to go it alone thereafter. But lack of experience meant that

they overdid the mauls instead of electing to ruck in the horrendous

conditions and they, too, fell victims of the solid Stirling defence.

County, with Williamson the playmaker, varied their approach and

produced remarkable handling and running, despite the weather.

Shane Williamson hit an upright with a penalty in 11 minutes, but was

twice involved in a move which ended with the ball being flipped to

Scott Crawford who slid over for Williamson to convert. The South

African added a penalty to complete the first half scoring.

The second period was only three minutes old when Ireland's

belligerence earned him a try after splendid work by Craig Sangster and

Chris Brown.

West huffed and puffed to some territorial advantage, but overdid the

mauling and it was Stirling who concluded the scoring with Williamson

slotting over a seventieth-minute penalty.

West of Scotland -- A Williamson; C Miller, D R McKee, C Hart, J

Ewart; A Stott, A Hogarth; P Wong, S Blair, D Jameson, S G McKechnie, C

G Perrett, S Sheridan, I Jamison, J Shaw.

Stirling County -- S Crawford; B Ireland, J Wright, C Sangster, R A

Mailer; S N Williamson, M S Robertson, E Snowie, G Rutherford, R Henry,

G Douglas, M Norval, C H Brown, R McKillop, R Wyllie.

Referee -- C Seeley (Manchester).