Stewartry are through to the semi-finals of the National Shield after a dramatic win over Linlithgow.
Having trailed by 12 points at half-time, the Blacks produced a stirring comeback to record just their second victory at Linlithgow and progress to the last four.
The home side kicked off down the slope on a drying pitch. Following up, they won the ball back and attacked the Stewartry line to open the scoring after just two minutes, adding the conversion.
From the restart, a penalty award to the home side gave them a kick to touch in the corner, Linlithgow winning the lineout and scoring in the corner before once again adding the conversion.
Stewartry just couldn’t get a hold of the ball, the game being played in their 22. It took 10 minutes of decisive action before they broke free up the slope for Angus Lindsay to dive in for an unconverted try, 14-5.
The Blacks had a penalty to halfway but lost the lineout before good play by TJ McCarney won a penalty in front of the posts, captain John Picken converting.
A penalty quickly followed at the other end, Linlithgow taking the score to 17-8. Another penalty followed in 25 minutes, the lead extending to 20-8.
Stewartry again battled up the slope with John Picken leading the way, going over for his converted try to cut the gap to five.
This was turning into a great game with both teams putting pressure on the opposition defences. Two minutes from half-time the Linlithgow backs broke through the middle with Stewartry missing six tackle attempts as the Scarlets charged over the try line for a third try and conversion and a 27-15 half-time lead.
From the restart John Picken added a penalty to start the fightback, Stewartry now with the slope advantage. Andrew Picken and Robert Austin took play into the 22 before replacements Yates and Hogg came on as Linlithgow scored another penalty for 30-18.
Within a couple of minutes the club’s top try scorer Stevie Hogg was yellow carded. TJ McCarney once again jinked his way through the home defence to win a penalty in front of the posts, which John Picken converted – only for Linlithgow to add another penalty for 33-21.
Another charging run from Yates won Stewartry a penalty, which was quickly taken by Yates putting John Picken in for another try and then adding the conversion to take Stewartry back within five points.
Another brilliant try from TJ McCarney saw Stewartry go into the lead for the first time on 67 minutes as John Picken added the conversion for 33-35.
In the 72nd minute Michael Yates bulldozed his way over the line for his try and John Picken again added the points.
With five minutes to play a skirmish on the Stewartry line saw one player from each team yellow carded and Linlithgow awarded a penalty try to bring the score to 40-42.
John Picken led the way in the final play of the game with his third, sealing victory for Stewartry despite the missed conversion.
A tremendous cup tie with both teams playing open entertaining rugby.
