It was anybodies game today at Bridgehaugh, with a score-line that came down to a single point. The hosts, Stirling County, managed to edge past a strong Dundee outfit with a late penalty and record their first victory of the season. For Stirling County head coach, Eddie Pollock, it was a long awaited win which proved that anything can happen on match day in RBS Premier 1. He said: “We’re delighted to have got the win today; playing Dundee is always a tough match. “The boys have been working hard all season, and in pre-season, so it’s great to see their efforts rewarded. It just shows that anybody can win in RBS Premier 1 and that a win can come down to the simplest scenario. “Last week we lost at Meggetland [against Boroughmuir]; after we missed a kick but this week it came down to a successful penalty, which edged us into the lead. “The win was a team effort, with every player doing their bit and taking the chances presented to them.”

The match begun with a series of early penalties for the hosts allowing them to gain a lot of territory and an early three point lead from the boot of inside centre, Brian Archibald. (3-0)

The indiscipline from Dundee continued and after a fifth infringement Stirling lock, Robert McAlpine crossed the whitewash for the opening try of the afternoon. (8-0)

On twenty minutes it was Stirling who were beginning to show creaks in their discipline. A couple of penalties allowed Dundee to gather territory and soon enough hooker, Simon Forrest was over-the-line. With Steele adding the extras there was one point in it and Dundee were back in the game. (8-7)

However, County quickly moved back down the park and into Dundee territory. They formed a strong driving maul and with a pile of bodies trundled over the line. It was captain, Alex Moffat who appeared from the chaos with the ball. A try and successful conversion took the score to 15-7

This was preceded with two further penalties from the boot of Dundee wing, Jack Steele once again closing the gap on the board. (15-13)

Finally, with two tries conceded and halftime whistle ready to sound the league leaders sought to lift the intensity of the game and move back into the hosts twenty-two. A series of scrums for Dundee ten metres from the line, and County having lost McAlpine to the bin, Cameron Wyper was set up for a late try to edge the visitors in front. (15-20)

Halftime: Stirling County 15 v 20 Dundee HSFP

In the second half Stirling County quickly shifted back into the lead after scrum-half Sean Kennedy split the line and offloaded a wide ball which reached wing, Graham Lindsey who dived in at the corner. (22-20)
They were then able to extend their lead with another successful penalty attempt from Brian Archibald. (25-20)

At this stage Dundee were looking to redeem themselves and regain the lead. Having gained enough ground to set their forwards up for a skirmish for the line they were awarded a scrum. This resulted in flanker Danny Levison breaking off the back of the set piece and over the line. Replacement, Jamie Urquhart, added the extras and Dundee were back in the lead. (25-27)

With the clock counting down County once again lifted the momentum, but Brian Archibald missed his chance putting a penalty kick wide. However, moments later another Dundee infringement at the breakdown and Archibald was gifted a second opportunity. This time he slotted it home, via a dink off the post, and along with a big cheer from the home fans, County were back into the lead and had edged to victory. (28-27)

Fulltime: Stirling County 28 v 27 Dundee HSFP

Stirling County team: Ben Addison; Graeme Lindsay, Danny Gilmour, Brian Archibald, Ross Aitken; Stuart Edwards, Sean Kennedy; Steven Raby, Alex Moffat (captain), Gary Mountford, Craig Deacons, Robert McAlpine, Tim Clarke, Robbie Boswell, Steve Swindall.
Replacements: Andy Simpson, Craig Black, Jamie Mountford, Bengy Barsanti, Craig Robertson.

Dundee HSFP team: Cameron Wyper; Andrew McLean, Harry Duthie, Robbie Lavery, Jack Steele; Cam Brown, Andy Dymock; Neil Dymock (captain), Simon Forrest, Alan Brown, Richard Hawkins, Andy Redmanye, Chris Cumming, Danny Levison, Richie McIver.
Replacements: Darell Russell, Gavin Robertson, Andy Linton, Ryan Milne, Jamie Urquhart. 

For the rest of the weekend's RBS Premier 1 results click here!