Wigtownshire RFC were involved in one of the most extraordinary and dramatic matches of the season as they drew 39–39 with Annan RFC after extra time, only to see Annan claim the Shield after the final result was determined by the number of infringements accrued by each side.

The scoreline alone tells the story of a remarkable encounter, but it does not fully capture the character shown by Wigtownshire. After being reduced to 14 players for more than 40 minutes, the Shire battled through adversity, continued to attack and twice recovered from difficult positions to take the match all the way through extra time.

It was a contest packed with attacking rugby, momentum swings, yellow cards, tries and late drama, with neither side prepared to give an inch.

Annan made the better start and opened the scoring in the fifth minute when they crossed for the opening try, which was converted to give the visitors an early 7–0 advantage.

Wigtownshire's response was immediate, however, and Jason McKie began what would become a magnificent individual performance when he crossed for his first try of the afternoon in the 14th minute. Blair Forsyth added the conversion to bring the scores level at 7–7.

The Shire then began to find their rhythm and Samuel McAuley crossed for another Wigtownshire try. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but Blair Forsyth soon added a penalty to put the home side in front.

Annan refused to be rattled and responded with a strong spell of their own. They crossed for further tries in the 12th, 17th and 22nd minutes, with the final one being converted, while they also added a penalty to build what appeared to be a commanding 27–15 advantage.

Wigtownshire, though, were not prepared to let the game disappear from their grasp.

Jason McKie scored his second try of the afternoon in the 20th minute, with Frank Gwynne adding the conversion. McKie then completed another excellent attacking move with his third try in the 27th minute. Frank was unable to add the conversion on this occasion, but Wigtownshire had dragged themselves firmly back into contention.

The momentum was beginning to swing once again when the match took another dramatic turn.

McKie was shown a yellow card, leaving Wigtownshire temporarily reduced in numbers. Matters became even more difficult for the Shire when Blair Forsyth received a second yellow card, having already been cautioned in the first half. The second yellow resulted in a red card, meaning Wigtownshire would have to play the remainder of the match — including extra time — with just 14 players.

It would have been understandable for the numerical disadvantage to take its toll, but instead Wigtownshire produced one of their most determined spells of the afternoon.

Despite having a player fewer than their opponents, the Shire continued to attack with purpose and were rewarded when McKie crossed again to complete his hat-trick. Frank Gwynne added the conversion and Wigtownshire had closed the gap to 27–22.

The home side continued to press and Bryce Gilliland then crossed for another important Wigtownshire try. The conversion was missed, but the Shire had once again demonstrated that being a player down would not prevent them from taking the game to Annan.

The scoreboard remained finely balanced and, when the final whistle sounded at the end of normal time, the scores were locked at 27–27.

With neither side able to be separated, the Shield encounter went into extra time, with two further 10-minute periods required to determine the outcome.

Wigtownshire continued to show tremendous spirit despite still having only 14 players on the field.

McKie, who had already produced an outstanding individual performance, added a fourth try to his personal tally during extra time. Gwynne converted, putting Wigtownshire back in front and giving the Shire renewed hope of completing an extraordinary victory.

Annan, however, responded with two tries of their own, one of which was converted.

Once again, the scoreboard could not separate the sides.

After more than 80 minutes of rugby, followed by extra time, the final score stood at an astonishing 39–39.

With the match still level, the Shield could not be decided by the scoreboard and the competition regulations meant the result was ultimately determined by the number of infringements accrued during the match.

On that count, Annan RFC took the Shield.

For Wigtownshire, however, the final result tells only part of the story.

To score 39 points against a strong Annan side, recover from a 27–15 deficit, play more than 40 minutes with just 14 players and still have the strength and belief to take the match through extra time was an outstanding display of resilience.

McKie's four tries were a major feature of the Wigtownshire attack, while Samuel McAuley and Bryce Gilliland also found their way over the line. Frank Gwynne contributed with the boot when required, while Blair Forsyth added points before his dismissal.

There were also excellent individual performances elsewhere across the team.

? Man of the Match — Robbie Forsyth

Congratulations to Robbie Forsyth, who was named Man of the Match following an outstanding performance in a fiercely contested encounter. Robbie was heavily involved throughout and played an important role in Wigtownshire's determined effort.

Mark Pirrie also deserves particular mention after producing a notably strong performance and playing a key part in the Shire's effort throughout the match.

Ultimately, though, this was a performance that deserved recognition across the entire squad. Playing with 14 men for such a significant period, Wigtownshire refused to surrender, continued to attack and pushed Annan all the way to the very end.

The Shield may have gone to Annan RFC after the final decision was made on infringements accrued, but Wigtownshire can take enormous credit from a match in which they demonstrated character, resilience and a refusal to give up.

It was a game that had virtually everything — tries, momentum swings, disciplinary drama, a numerical disadvantage, extra time and a finish that could not be decided on the scoreboard.

In the end, there was nothing between the sides in points.

Final Score

Wigtownshire RFC 39–39 Annan RFC

Shield winners: Annan RFC — decided on infringements accrued.