Match Report
Stirling County Women v Corstorphine Cougars
County Women were facing Corstorphine Cougars in their 5th game of the league campaign. County was aiming to make it 5 from 5 but knew Cougars would be a tough test.
County was slow out of the blocks and after early pressure, conceded a penalty which Cougars successfully kicked. The pressure continued resulting in a Cougars try.
County responded well at the restart with captain Ailsa Luke turning over the ball at the breakdown. Following a series of Cougars penalties and a great run by fly half Ceitidh Ainsworth, County advanced deep into the Cougars’ 22. A quick-thinking pick and go by scrumhalf Jodie Hutton took County close to the opposition try line, with Ailsa Luke securing the score, 5-10.
Cougars continued to pressure the County defence resulting in another 2 scores. County fought back at the restart with strong carries from Keira MacDonald, Sophie Murphy and Rachel Cox, leading to the County captain getting her 2nd score of the match. 10-22 Halftime.
Cougars continued to apply pressure in the early stages of the 2nd half but a great break from fly-half Ceitidh Ainsworth, supported by Heather Davis took County back into the opposition 22. With a quick recycled ball, County got the ball wide to replacement winger Brogan Henderson allowing her to score in the corner.
County was soon on the back foot again, defending a strong driving maul on their 5m line. Cougars were able to get the maul moving, scoring in the corner bringing the score to 15-27.
County continued to defend well, with pressure coming from big tackles from Keira MacDonald, Sophie Murphy, Aicha Sutcliffe and Sky Phimister, leading to a Cougars knock-on. An unsuccessful County scrum but possession was soon regained with an interception from Fi Keys. Repeated infringements saw the Cougars full back being shown a yellow card and County took advantage of being a player up with Rachel Cox crossing the line.
Down the last few minutes of the game, County fought hard and were camped on the Cougars’ try line. Unfortunately, unable to convert the sustained period of pressure the final whistle blew, County 20-Cougars 27.
The women head to Hughenden on Sunday 16th October to face Hillhead Jordanhill for their 2nd away match of the season looking to make it a double against the Glasgow side.
