Super6 Update

With Super6 on its winter break it has given us some time to reflect on the 2021 season.

First and foremost, it was great just to have rugby back and to see how much the players enjoyed being back. With 11 competitive rounds played over 12 weeks, off the back of 18 months without rugby, it was a short, very intense period for all involved. The players and staff worked tirelessly to improve, and we felt that was reflected in the development of the group throughout the season. 

It was great to have fans back at Bridgehaugh and to have that match day buzz in the club back again as we progressed through the tournament. Certainly, the atmosphere for our last-minute win versus the Bulls under the Friday night lights and against the Bears on the day of the legends lunch are ones we won’t forget and are keen to build on as we move into the 2022 season.

I don’t think there can be any doubt that the FOSROC Super6 competition has improved since Season 1. The broadcasting of the matches on Friday night and Sunday afternoon as well as the time of year made a massive difference. The players enjoyed the extra exposure and generally, the level of product on show was far superior to that of our first season played through the winter months. 

From a team perspective, we would class the season as a positive one without necessarily being an overly successful one. Other than away to the top 2, we were competitive in every match – all 9 of these matches were won or lost within the margin of a converted try. We came out on the wrong side of too many of these results in the first half of the competition to really challenge for the title but managed to go on a bit of run in the 2nd half through rounds 7, 8 & 9 to secure a 3rd/4th playoff spot. That final match away to Watsonians followed a similar narrative to our whole season – starting slowly, coming back strong but ultimately leaving ourselves too much to do, finishing agonisingly short of a 3rd place finish, losing the match by 3 points.

Overall, it’s been a very enjoyable season. We have a group of players who are fully engaged in improving as individuals and are invested in driving the club forward. With this attitude we will continue to develop, and I am positive that more success is just around the corner.

On behalf of the Super6 squad I’d like to wish all our members, supporters and sponsors a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you all again when Super6 returns in the new year.

Ben Cairns

Super6 Head Coach

Stirling County RFC