Stirling County 51

Hawick 19

HAWICK were dumped unceremoniously out of the BT Cup at Bridgehaugh on a day County appeared to want it more.

Stirling's reward is a place in the final against Melrose.

With eight tries they swept aside a Hawick side whose battle to avoid relegation was the decisive part of a season that, at one time, seemed beyond them.

However, this semi-final was a step too far.

County were boosted by the inclusion of two professionals – but on the day that made no significant difference.

It might have made a difference if Hawick had not lost their own line-out close to the Stirling line with the Greens only 7-10 down – and County had not scored on the break – or an interception try.

But that would be an injustice to County, whose power up front and aggressive running was too much for a Hawick who took their defeat sportingly.

“The boys maybe felt that there has been too much pressure on them this season, but I am proud of what they have achieved this season,” said head coach George Graham.

“To get to where we are after 10 defeats at the start of the season, and get to the semi-final of the cup, is a huge effort and a big stepping stone. Although I am disappointed, I am over this defeat and starting planning for next season.”

Stirling were out of the starting blocks and penned Hawick back deep into their own 22.

Peter Jericevich scored and Jonny Hope converted to add to his early penalty.

However, Hawick replied – a Gary Munro penalty to the left-hand corner and a forwards drive which ended in Gary Cottrell scoring, with Lee Armstrong adding the conversion.

Stirling soon resumed the pressure and two tries from pro Fijian Niko Matawalu and a Hope conversion virtually put the game out of Hawick’s sight at 22-7 at the interval.

Hawick need an early riposte after the break – instead Reyner Kennedy added to the scoreline, and despite scores from Munro and Callum McLelland, with one Armstrong conversion, the game swung big time Stirling’s way.

Tries from pro Chris Fusaro (2), Ryan Gossman (2) and a yellow card for Andrew Mitchell added to Hawick’s trying afternoon.

Hawick: A Weir; R Combe, K Davies, D Buckley, G Munro; L Armstrong, G Cottrell; S Muir, M Carryer, N Little, D Redpath, C Hamilton, S Graham, B McNeil, G Graham. Replacements: F Renwick, M Landels, R Gibson, S Fairbairn, C McClelland, A Mitchell, K Ford.