A repeat of last year's U16s' final that ended in a draw, it was just as close this time round. Both had early attacking opportunities and Stirling had a kick at goal that was unsuccessful.
Props Ruairidh Sayce and Gavin Hollins pressed on out of their own half before a good Ayr line-out allowed winger Jamie Roberts to make for the line. It was hooker Robbie Smith who rumbled over. Stand-off Paddy Dewhirst's conversion just missed. 5-0.
Dewhirst and full-back James Baird led the attack, with scrum-half Angus Boyle shoring up the defence.
But Stirling were upping the ante and lock Duncan Hendry sprinted away for a try in the corner which was superbly converted by full-back Logan Trotter. 5-7.
Ayr's second row of Tony Hall and Logan Richardson was working well at the line-out and there was good support play by flanker Seth Rae and captain Alexander Howie.
County had another penalty attempt but missed this one too. They were slick with ball in hand and Smith, Boyle, winger Mark Conlan and centres Calum Gaw and Harry Lynch were busy in defence.
They were stuck in their own half for much of the end of the first thirty-five minutes, but at the start of the second, they escaped into Stirling's in dramatic fashion as flanker Cameron Reece homed in on a wayward County pass and shot off for a fine try. Dewhirst converted from in front of the posts. 12-7.
A few minutes later and County almost did the same, but Ayr's defence, led by Boyle, tracked down the attacker before he could reach the line.
Some errors crept into both teams' games and they traded turnovers. It was Stirling who kept their composure, flanker Wallace Nelson scoring in the corner, with another excellent conversion by Trotter. 12-14.
Roberts sold a brilliant dummy to sneak into Stirling's half but could get no further. The Bridgehaugh side gave away a penalty for holding on but it was long-range and Dewhirst's kick floated away.
It got scrappy as the clock ticked down and both teams brought on fresh legs. Ayr's bench of Stuart Collier, Partick McCahill, Fyfe Paterson, Ross Arthur, Lewis Young, TJ Bunten and Rory McMurray was busy all afternoon, and they made their mark in the second half when the team needed a boost.
Stirling County, however, were just too good. Another kick at goal, a penalty, by Trotter stretched their lead. 12-17.
There was a valiant final push by Ayr as they camped out in the opposition half, but that tough defence couldn't be broken down and County happily booted the ball out to secure the win and the cup.
After the U16s' final, this was another heartening display of quality rugby with both Ayr and Stirling County playing their part.
Final score: Ayr U18s 12 Stirling County 17.
- Elena Hogarth.
Photos copyright Alan Graham.
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