Stirling County 27 - 25 Hawick: County back to winning ways

STUART Edwards was the toast of the Stirling County fans as they got back to winning ways in a see-saw battle with Hawick at Bridgehaugh.

Edwards claimed a haul of 19 points to stave off the gallant charge of the visitors.

County had the bulk of possession and territory in the opening exchanges and Edwards stroked over two penalties in quick succession to give them the edge.

Full-back Robbie McGowan added a clever dropped-goal - only to see Hawick click into attacking gear and grab the initiative midway through the half.

First, centre Stuart Hogg finished off a free-flowing move, then midfield partner Alex Dunbar broke through to take advantage of hesitancy among the home markers.

Hutton added one conversion to give the Greens a two-point advantage in the lead-up to the interval.

But County awoke from their slumbers to snatch back the momentum thanks to a touchdown from Mike Doneghan on the left wing.

After the restart, Edwards and Neil Renwick became involved in a private penalty duel as Stirling lost the lead again - then quickly seized it back.

The helter-skelter action continued to the death.

Edwards completed his memorable day by goaling his own try, then David Lowrie made sure of a consolation point for the Borderers with a successful last-minute effort to cross the line, converted by Renwick.

Scorers: Stirling County: Tries: Doneghan, S Edwards. Cons: S Edwards. Pens: S Edwards 4. DG: McGowan. Hawick: Tries: S Hogg, Dunbar, Lowrie. Cons: Hutton, Renwick. Pens: Renwick 2.

Stirling County: R McGowan; G Lindsay, D Gilmour, B Archibald, M Doneghan; S Edwards, S Kennedy; M McDonald, A Moffat, C Black, T Edwards, G Gilchrist, C Eadie, T Clarke, B Bersanti. Subs: D Morrison, A Simpson, D Denton, C Deacons, B Addison.

Hawick: G Hogg; N Renwick, S Hogg, A Dunbar, G Anderson; R Hutton, G Cottrell; A Marsh, L Gibson, S Linton, C Charters, M Robertson, D Lowrie, D Landels, B McNeil. Subs: G Johnstone, M Graham, K Davies, N McTaggart, H Scammell.

Referee: J Meredith (RFU).