The U15s saved one of their best performances of the year to the final day of the season, powering their way past a strong Whitecraigs side 61-26 to lift the trophy in the West Shield Cup Final.

Birkmyre were on top throughout the match and took an early lead after 5 minute when skipper, Rhu Hart, scored his first of what would prove to be a hat trick of tries from the young second row. With only a further 3 minutes on the clock, centre Thomas McKeown powered home from inside the opposition 22. He then added a second try on 11 minutes with both scores converted by David Cruickshank giving the bears a 19-0 lead.

Next to score was Finlay Davidson. Having picked up the ball a few meters out from a ruck, he muscled his way over to score near the corner flag. Again, David Cruickshank added the extra points. Whitecraigs then got a score back however Birkmyre finished the half positively with a 5th try on the 25th minute. This time it was winger Adam Hannah, running over to touch down. The conversion was duly slotted over giving the home team a commanding 33-7 lead at the half.

Birkmyre came out of the traps flying again in the second half. Adam Hannah added his second try, a superb solo effort. Whitecraigs had been on the offensive and attempted a kick and chase. Adam chased back and secured a 22 drop out for the team. Thinking on his feet, he held onto the ball and took the 22 quickly himself. He chased his own kick, and having secured the ball, sprinted the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Having gained his breath back, he slotted over the conversion as well.

Whitecraigs did not let their heads go down and they responded with 2 tries of their own to narrow the deficit. However on 41 minutes, Rhu Hart pick up the ball at the base of a ruck, caught the defence napping and went over for his second try. On the 50th minute, he completed his hat trick with a similar, and equally impressive effort. Whitecraigs then scored again before Ali Dickson scored his only try of the game in the 56th minute with some typically direct & powerful running. David Cruickshank slotted over all 3 of his conversions in the second half taking the final tally to 61-26.

It was a great way for the boys to sign off for the year and were very deserving Cup Final winners. Thanks go out to all the boys for their efforts, attitude, application & discipline all year as well as the coaches and parents for their support.