Wigtownshire Ladies 36–0 Hillhead Jordanhill 2nd XV
Shire Seal Historic League Title in Dominant, Weather-Hit Display

Wigtownshire Ladies clinched their first-ever league title on Sunday with a commanding 36–0 victory over Hillhead Jordanhill 2nd XV—ironically, the only side to defeat them earlier in the campaign. With everything on the line and atrocious conditions overhead, Shire rose to the moment with one of their most complete performances of the season.

Persistent rain and a slick surface shaped the contest from the outset, but Shire adapted superbly. They started the brighter of the two teams, hammering the Hills defensive line with wave after wave of pressure. Credit must go to the visitors, who defended with grit and organisation for a long early spell, repelling several promising attacks.

Eventually, the breakthrough came. After sustained pressure deep in Hills territory, Shire won a penalty. Captain Neve Finlay elected to kick for goal—a bold call in miserable weather—and Sophie Hall delivered with a clean strike to give Shire a deserved 3–0 lead.

The score seemed to energise the home side even further. Moments later, Amy Vance cut through the Hills back line with a superb angled run to claim Shire’s first try of the afternoon. Hall added the extras to extend the advantage to 10–0, and with that, the supporters began to sense that the league title was within touching distance.

Shire refused to take their foot off the pedal. Holly Murdoch, outstanding throughout, crashed through defenders to touch down for a well-earned try, pushing the margin to 15–0 and tightening Shire’s grip on the game. From the restart, the home pack immediately reasserted dominance and set the platform for Carla Campbell to power over. Hall’s reliable boot made it 22–0 at the interval.

The halftime break brought some changes, but Shire’s momentum remained relentless. Vance struck again shortly after play resumed, showing pace and determination to complete her brace. Another Hall conversion pushed the scoreboard to 29–0 as the rain worsened and daylight faded.

Fittingly, the final score of the match came from Campbell, who claimed her second try of the afternoon after a spell of sustained territorial pressure. Hall maintained her perfect record from the tee, nudging Shire to a 36–0 lead before the conditions grew too severe.

With player welfare in mind—and after consulting both captains—the referee called time roughly 18 minutes early. By then, there was no doubt: Shire had done more than enough to secure the league crown.

Post-Match Reactions

Coaches Allan McMaster and David Irvine were visibly delighted with the achievement:

“The girls have gone from strength to strength this season. They’ve worked hard and deserve to be crowned champions today. We implemented a new system and a defined structure this year, and it has paid off. We’ll continue to push them—this isn’t the end of the story.”

Captain Neve Finlay echoed that pride:

“This means the world to myself and the girls. We’ve had such a great year and this has just topped it off. Every girl has put in a power of work, and I’m so proud of the whole squad. Credit must go to Allan and David for all their hard work, and to the club for its continued support.”

With the title secured, the team now heads into a well-earned festive break before attention turns to the challenges awaiting them in the new year.

Special Mentions

Holly Murdoch delivered a sensational performance—physically dominant, constantly disruptive, and tireless in her work rate. Her try was a fitting reward for a display that set the tone for Shire’s forward dominance.

DJ Birkhead capped off her comeback season with another outstanding showing. Having returned from a serious injury earlier in the campaign, she has improved every week. Starting on the wing and finishing at full-back, she showcased versatility, determination and confidence—making a strong case for a permanent starting role in this title-winning squad.

Truthfully, though, it was a day where every single player stood tall. Against a side that had previously beaten them, and with the league title on the line, Shire delivered a performance full of composure, power and purpose.

Thanks to Supporters and Sponsors

The club extended heartfelt thanks to all supporters and sponsors who back the ladies week in, week out. Their support has been vital to this season’s success, and everyone at Wigtownshire Ladies looks forward to seeing them again in the new year as the next chapter begins.

Champions at last—Wigtownshire Ladies have written their name into club history.