Wigtownshire Ladies faced one of their sternest tests of the RPO Series on Sunday as they welcomed well-established Premiership side Garioch to the south-west. With the visitors battling to retain their place in the top tier for another season, the Shire squad knew they were in for a demanding and highly physical encounter.

Preparation was not ideal for the home side, who took to the field with a slightly depleted squad due to prior commitments. However, there was a significant boost with the return of captain Neve Finlay, whose leadership and experience were evident throughout, particularly during the most intense periods of the contest.

From the opening whistle the tempo was frantic. Garioch immediately asserted themselves, dominating territory and possession and forcing Shire into an early defensive battle. The home side responded with discipline and determination, making tackle after tackle and showing excellent organisation under sustained pressure. That resistance could only hold for so long, though, and Garioch eventually found a way through to open the scoring and move 0–7 ahead.

Shire refused to let the early setback define the game. Instead, they settled into their structures and began to play with greater confidence and purpose. Garioch’s Premiership experience was clear to see, with the visitors showing a strong understanding of when to contest, when to slow the ball, and how to disrupt momentum without attracting the referee’s attention. Despite this, Shire found a breakthrough through sheer determination. Lydia Downie powered her way through the defensive line, shrugging off multiple challenges to score a well-earned try. Sophie Hall calmly added the conversion to bring the scores level at 7–7.

The contest remained fiercely physical for the remainder of the half, with both sides trading heavy carries and defensive hits. Just before the interval, Garioch struck again, capitalising on pressure to cross for a second try and edge into a 7–12 lead at the break.

The second half picked up exactly where the first left off, with neither side willing to give an inch. The collision area became increasingly intense, and every metre was hard-fought. Shire were rewarded for their persistence when Sophie Mann produced a moment of individual brilliance. Spotting a gap in the defensive line, she showed electric footwork and pace to skip through the Garioch defence, leaving cover defenders grasping at air as she raced in for a superb solo try. Hall once again converted, pushing Shire into a deserved 14–12 lead.

That score visibly lifted the home side, injecting renewed belief and energy. Shire began to play with greater tempo and confidence, and the pressure soon told. Lydia Downie continued her outstanding afternoon by breaking the defensive line once more to score her second try of the match, extending Shire’s advantage to 19–12.

As the game wore on, the physical demands increased and Garioch responded by attempting to impose themselves through their forward pack. Shire defended bravely, coping well with sustained pressure for long periods, but eventually the visitors forced their way over for a converted try to level the scores at 19–19.

The closing stages were a fascinating tactical battle. Garioch looked to assert control through power and close-range carries, while Shire attempted to move the ball quickly and exploit space with their pace out wide. Both sides had moments of promise, but strong defensive efforts ensured that neither could find the decisive score, and the match finished with the points shared.

It was a performance full of resilience and character from Wigtownshire Ladies against a seasoned Premiership outfit — one that showcased their ability to compete at a high level and absorb pressure without losing composure.

Forward of the Match – Lydia Downie
A dominant display featuring outstanding carries, relentless work rate, and a physical presence that set the tone across the park.

Back of the Match – Rhianna Bodle
Absorbed heavy contact, consistently drew defenders in, and made crucial metres at key moments.

Opposition Player of the Match – Kaylin Young
Relentless in both attack and defence, breaking lines and causing problems throughout the contest.

Wigtownshire Ladies now turn their attention to the next round of the RPO Series, travelling to Dundee on Sunday 22nd February to face the Valkyries.