AN outstanding season for Ardrossan Academicals RFC’s under-15s side came to its conclusion last week.

After winning their league in January, the team then competed in the cup competition; wins over Cumnock and Cartha/Cambuslang, a draw against Dumfries and a narrow defeat to Biggar, saw the young side finish second in their pool.

This meant moving into the shield competition, where they dispatched East Kilbride in the semi-final stage.

That led to a meeting with West of Scotland Rugby Club at the memorial field, to decide who would take home the season’s final prize.

The match took place in perfect conditions on Sunday (March 27), with both teams fired up and ready to battle for the silverware.

The West team proved to be formidable opponents with their vast squad of physically imposing players.

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The Accies had a tough time coping with the onslaught from their guests, but demonstrated an unrelenting courage and tenacity all afternoon.

After conceding several tries throughout the game, they fought back with a fine score from flanker Adam Bainbridge, converted from a tight angle by outside half Tom Monaghan.

Monaghan was then on hand to score the team’s second try with a little trickery, weaving his way through the defence to dot down under the posts.

Again, he added the conversion to restore some pride in the home side.

The full-time score in the match was 52-14 in favour of the away side.

After the game, coach Jamie Monaghan said: “Although the game was well won by the big side from Bearsden, the huge crowd were appreciative of the total commitment shown by the Accies boys.

“Man of the match went to Calum Barton, the Accies full-back, who spent the afternoon tackling formidably – frequently against players twice his size and epitomising everything that the Ardrossan team stand for.

“It truly has been a fantastic season for the team. Congratulations to them and the club.”

The side will now look ahead to next season as an under-16s team.