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News Article |
| MORAY U16 V STIRLING COUNTY 25/3/12 |
| Tue 27th Mar 2012 |
 Moray made the long trip down to Stirling for their final away match in the Champions League. This was always going to be a tough assignment and the Stirling lads dominated the game winning 59-0.
Stirling kicked off in perfect conditions and soon were on the scoreboard after Moray lost possession in their 22 and the Stirling prop powered over from 10 out.
The home team continued to pile on the pressure and the Moray lads had to defend deep in their own half for much of the time. Stirling stretched their lead to 14-0 after 12 minutes with another good drive and good support play allowing their centre to go over near the posts.
The pattern continued through the first half with Stirling dictating the play and Moray defending deep. Great cover defence from prop Niall Ward prevented a certain try as Stirling’s full back and wing broke clear and were heading for the Moray try line.
The visitors didn’t help themselves by being penalised on several occasions for straying offside at rucks and this allowed Stirling to end the half 40 points up with Moray having nothing to show for their efforts.
 The second half started brighter for the Moray lads and they were more competitive. It was still hard for the visitors to retain the ball they did win under immense pressure from a very able Stirling back row and no 9 who always had the upper hand around the base of the scrum and rucks.
Moray never let their heads go down and some fantastic defence by Josh Grundie held up one of the Stirling backs on the Moray try line to prevent another score after he had sprinted clear from half way.
The home team increased their lead after 10 minutes of the second half when they moved the ball wide from a lineout through their backs with the winger going over in the corner to make it 45-0.
 Moray finally worked their way into the home teams 22 with some well placed line kicks by full back Kieran Rodgers giving Moray a lineout. The Stirling lads won the ball and broke upfield before giving away a penalty
Trevor Jones took a quick tap and broke up field supported by Duncan Steven who drove on to the edge of the 22. Moray lost the resultant ruck and again had to chase back and defend.
Stirling added a couple more tries before full time to win comfortably.
This was a tough lesson for the Moray lads. Stirling dominated in the loose and when they didn’t have the ball they were ferocious in their defence and rucking. Moray when they did get possession too often found they were moving backwards rather than taking the initiative.
There’s no doubt playing away from home against strong opposition is proving a challenge for all 6 teams in the league as there has only been one away win from 15 games played so far for any of the sides involved.
Moray must use their last 2 home games against Perthshire on Sunday and Ellon next Wednesday to rediscover the fine form they have displayed previously this season.
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Caledonia 2 North |
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| Aberdeenshire |
12 |
46 |
| Highland 2nd XV |
11 |
46 |
| Moray |
12 |
40 |
| Ross Sutherland |
10 |
22 |
| Banff |
12 |
19 |
| Mackie |
10 |
10 |
| Aberdeen Grammar 2nd XV |
9 |
1 |
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Last 1st XV Game |
| 1st XV Season (2021/22) |
| Banff 33 - 39 Moray |
| 5th Mar 22 - KO: 15:00 |
| Venue: Duff House |
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