Wigtownshire RFC 36 – 19 Birkmyre
Venue: Wigtownshire Rugby Club, Stranraer
Date: Saturday 13th December 2025
Kick-off: 2:00pm
Arnold Clark West Region League Division 2 (Men’s)
Birkmyre fell to a 36–19 defeat against Wigtownshire in their final league outing before the festive break, with appalling conditions playing a major role in Stranraer.
Persistent rain and gusts in excess of 40mph made for a brutal afternoon, although the pitch held up impressively given the amount of water that had fallen in recent days.
Despite the conditions, Birkmyre made a positive start with the wind at their backs. Michael McGeoch drove the ball close to the try line after a defensive lapse, and from the resulting pressure prop Louis Hoodless powered over from close range to open the scoring after just two minutes. The difficult wind meant the conversion drifted wide.
Wigtownshire responded quickly, working their way up the pitch through a sustained team effort before crossing near the corner to level the match.
Although they had the advantage of the wind, Birkmyre struggled to secure possession and found themselves under prolonged pressure. That told in the 19th minute when McGeoch was shown a yellow card for offside, the culmination of a series of infringements. From the ensuing penalty, the home side struck again with an unconverted try to move ahead.
Birkmyre regained the lead on 27 minutes after building phases close to the posts. Liam Nicholas took a pass five metres out and, despite support outside him, used his strength to fend off defenders and dive over for a converted try.
The lead proved short-lived. Wigtownshire hit back with a try on 33 minutes and then added a fourth score just before the break, sending Birkmyre in 22–12 down at half-time.
The second half was always going to be a stern test with the wind now firmly against Birkmyre and any meaningful kicking game effectively ruled out. However, they showed real intent early on when full-back Paul Carruth collected the ball near halfway, built up pace and skilfully side-stepped several defenders to score under the posts.
Moments later Wigtownshire were reduced to 14 men after a yellow card for failing to retreat 10 metres at a penalty, and it briefly felt as though the momentum might swing. Instead, the Stranraer side steadied themselves and extended their lead in the 62nd minute to open up a 10-point cushion.
Birkmyre remained in contention and continued to push for a way back into the contest, but their hopes were effectively ended four minutes from time when Wigtownshire broke through to score their final try.
There was still a late push for a bonus-point score from the visitors, but a promising attack ended with a knock-on as the clock ticked into the red.
Birkmyre return to action on Saturday 10th January when they welcome Cambuslang to Kilbarchan in their first fixture of 2026.
All photos: Photo Credit: Fiona Wallace
