Wigtownshire’s U17 boys welcomed Lanark on Saturday in what proved to be a cracking contest, boosted by the return of familiar faces – Malcolm and James back from Ayr, Luke home from school, and Jamie now a regular contributor from Stewartry. For the first time this season, Shire were able to field a full 15, and it showed in their performance.

Lanark, a strong outfit riding high this season, opened the scoring with an interception try. But Shire hit back quickly when Jjo pounced on a loose pass, racing 20 metres untouched to level the scores. The visitors struck again, only for Jjo to respond with his second – a driving finish that had the crowd on their feet. At the break it was all square, 14–14, with nothing between the sides.

The second half carried on at a furious pace. Lanark nudged ahead with a penalty and followed it with another try, but Shire weren’t done. Malcolm powered close to the line and, with a stretch worthy of “Inspector Gadget,” managed to dot down to close the gap. The game became increasingly physical, tempers occasionally spilling over as both teams gave everything.

In the final stages Lanark crossed again to put daylight on the scoreboard, though the 21–31 scoreline flattered the visitors. Shire’s defence was immense, their work rate outstanding, and the coaches couldn’t have been prouder. Man of the match was James Kirkbride who's dogged ground work and jackalling was a niggling thorn in the opposition all day

It might not have been a win on paper – but it certainly felt like it!