Wigtownshire made the trip to Bishopton on a glorious summer’s day, renewing a fixture not played since 2019 despite the sides regularly sharing similar league standings. Having secured a convincing 43–12 win at home back in November, Shire knew this away test would be far sterner—made even more challenging by travelling with just two substitutes due to player unavailability.
The pitch, often heavy and unforgiving, was in surprisingly good condition thanks to recent dry weather, hosting only its fifth game of the season.

First Half
Bishopton came flying out of the blocks, immediately putting Shire under pressure deep in their own territory. A string of penalties conceded by Wigtownshire allowed the home side to maintain a foothold, but it was the visitors who struck first.
On 6 minutes, Neil Forsyth sniped down the blindside of a ruck and combined brilliantly with Scott Forsyth, whose pace and awareness saw him round the fullback before offloading out of the tackle. Bruce Burnett was on hand in support, racing in from 20 metres to open the scoring. Blair Forsyth added the extras for a 0–7 lead.
Despite repeated Bishopton attacks, Shire’s defence held firm for a spell, forcing errors and turnovers. However, sustained pressure told midway through the half. A powerful driving lineout, following a Shire penalty, allowed the Bishopton prop to crash over, with the conversion levelling the scores at 7–7.
Moments later, Bishopton repeated the trick with another near-identical effort to take a 14–7 lead.
Wigtownshire responded swiftly. On 26 minutes, Neil Forsyth again showed quick thinking with a tap penalty, breaking down the wing. Strong carries from Owen Kelly and Sam McAuley laid the platform before Jason McKie moved the ball wide. Blair Forsyth delivered the final pass to Burnett, who cut inside against the grain to score his second. The conversion brought parity once more at 14–14.
As the half wore on, discipline began to cost Shire. Persistent penalties handed Bishopton territory, and a third close-range try—this time unconverted—put the hosts back in front at 19–14.
Right on half time, however, Shire produced a moment of opportunism. After a clearing kick from Jason McKie caused confusion in the Bishopton backfield, Burnett pounced. A clever series of kicks ahead saw him win the race to the line and complete a superb hat-trick. Blair Forsyth converted to give Shire a narrow 19–21 lead at the break.
At half time, the contrast was clear: Bishopton’s forwards were dominant, while Shire looked more threatening whenever their backs found space.

Second Half
Bishopton emerged with a clear game plan—to keep possession tight and deny the Shire backs any meaningful involvement. The approach paid immediate dividends.
Within a minute of the restart, their powerful No.8 and captain burst through multiple tackles from halfway to score under the posts. The conversion made it 26–21.
Opportunities were scarce for Wigtownshire in the second half, but they took their chances when they came. On 50 minutes, a rare attacking spell earned a penalty, which Blair Forsyth calmly slotted to keep Shire within touching distance at 26–24.
The next 10 minutes saw a stalemate, with both sides battling for control. Changes in the Bishopton pack disrupted the scrum, but it was Shire who struck next.
On 60 minutes, Jason McKie powered over from the Bishopton 22, shrugging off multiple defenders to secure the bonus point try and reclaim the lead. Blair Forsyth’s conversion extended it to 26–31.
Yet again, Bishopton responded. Their captain grabbed his second of the match on 65 minutes, exploiting space out wide after Shire overcommitted in midfield. The missed conversion left the scores tied at 31–31, setting up a tense final quarter.
With five minutes remaining, the decisive moment arrived. A penalty awarded against Shire at midfield was accepted by Bishopton, who slotted the kick to edge ahead 34–31—proving to be the final score in a gripping encounter.

Summary
This was a breathless, end-to-end contest in which the lead changed hands no fewer than ten times. Wigtownshire will take two valuable bonus points from the match, and on reflection, with Bishopton enjoying significant time in the red zone, the result was a fair one.
However, Shire will look closely at their discipline and game management. Conceding too many penalties and struggling with field position—particularly from restarts and clearance kicks—allowed Bishopton to dictate large portions of the game. Improving how they “paint the picture” for the referee will be key in the weeks ahead.
Despite the loss, Wigtownshire remain second in the league. Two bonus-point wins from their remaining fixtures should secure that position, though promotion may still depend on results elsewhere.

Man of the Match
Leswalt Village Store Man of the Match: Bruce Burnett
A clinical first-half hat-trick capped an outstanding attacking display, though he saw little ball in the second period.

Next Fixtures
Wigtownshire face a long trip to Mid Argyll in Lochgilphead next Saturday, before rounding off their league campaign away to Waysiders Drumpellier in Coatbridge.

Team
Burnett, R McAuley, B Forsyth, S Forsyth (C), Gilliland, McKie, N Forsyth, Dunbar, Allan, Rennie, Kelly, Pirrie, McConnell, S McAuley, Rankin
Subs: Palmer, Woonton