Stirling County retained the under-15 youth title with an emphatic 5 – 52 win over Ayr at Murrayfield in the second of three back-to-back National Midi Finals.

Four first-half tries without reply gave Stirling a comfortable 0 – 28 lead at the break.

The boys from Bridgehaugh continued their form into the second-half running in a further four tries to Ayr’s solitary effort late in the game.

Captain, Jack Urquart, missed the opportunity to give County the early lead but wing Brodie Clark crossed the line minutes later for the side’s first score. Urquart found his aim to convert, 7-0.

Clark added his second of the half ten minutes later before flanker Sean MacDonald showed great power to force his way over the line. Urquart’s conversion attempts were both on target giving County a comfortable lead, 0 – 21.

Stirling continued to dominate possession and shortly before the interval Johnathan Priestly scored a fantastic solo effort from just outside his 22.

The big winger out-paced one defender before cutting inside the last man to gallop in for the try, which Urquart converted.

Half time: 0 – 28

After the break Stirling remained on top, continually breaking the gain line with strong running and driving through the contact.

A great run from replacement scrum-half Jamie Ortlepp saw him evade two defenders in close quarters before diving over to score. Urquart kicked his fifth conversion before MacDonald got his second score of the afternoon as he crashed over the line carrying two defenders.

Urquart missed the conversion, 0 - 40.

A relentless County continued to dominate and reaped the rewards when man of the match Joel Fuentes dove over for the unconverted score, 45 – 0.

Ayr were finally rewarded for a gutsy performance when skilful stand-off, Danny McCluskey, dummied a defender and jinked inside, only to be brought down on the five-metre line.

Stirling were penalised for not rolling away from the tackle and captain Blair Jardine took the quick penalty and crashed through for the score, however the prop could not add the conversion, 45-5.

County were quick to respond with a score from full-back Stephen Gillies who rounded the outside man to complete the convincing win.

Urquart’s missed conversion was inconsequential.

Full time: 5 – 52
Man of the match: Joel Fuentes

Stirling County under-15 coach, Eric Urquart, said: “I just feel absolute elation for the boys – they’re absolutely delighted. Their commitment and effort is first class and I’m sure we have some stars of the future.

“They’ve worked their socks off to get here, they’re extremely fit and that was key in today’s success.”

The National Midi and Youth Cup Finals (29 March, 2009)
Under-15 girls: Gala girls v Carrick Academy (kick-off 12 noon)
Under-15 boys: Ayr v Stirling County (kick-off 1.30pm)
Under-16 boys: Dumfries v Musselburgh (3pm) 

The under-18 National Youth Cup final (boys and girls) will take place on the international pitch at Murrayfield on Saturday 25 April
Under-18 girls: (Murrayfield Wanderers) v (Aboyne/Banchory or Cumnock) (kick-off 6pm)
Under-18 boys: Currie Colts v Stirling County (kick-off 7.30pm)