BT Shield Semi-Final

CARRICK 19

ST BOSWELLS 13

IN what was the biggest game of rugby in the club's 38-year history Carrick kick off in front of a huge home support with the wind behind them in first half and the big crowd where heartened by the way the Ayrshiremen started.

Two penalties converted by Kyle Johnson gave Carrick a 6-0 lead. Both penalties came from high tackles. St Boswells were undefeated in 59 games for no reason and responded with a penalty kicked by Dean McCracken.

With half an hour gone, Carrick were awarded another penalty after some good forward play led to the hosts moving it wide for them to be said to be offside. Kyle Johnson again slotted the goal. Then with three minutes of the first half remaining, St Boswell's scored from a catch and drive at the line out and it was converted.

St Boswells started the second half well and pinned Carrick in their own 22 for a good 10 minutes but only came away with a penalty to make the score 13-9.

This seemed to awake the Carrick pack who then upped the pace and gave the Borders side what could only be described as a lesson in forward play.

From a series of pick and goes at the Borderers' line, 17 year old, Glasgow U18 and school head boy Andrew McColm dived over to make the score 14-13. Johnson then converted to make it 16-13.

At this point the huge army of Carrick Supporters went wild in their celebrations. Carrick then took play well into the St Boswells half and after another high tackle Johnson again struck the ball sweetly between the posts to put the hosts 19-13 ahead.

St Boswells tried to rescue the game in the last few minutes but referee McHendry blew the final whistle and the party started.

The South Ayrshire side e worthy winners and now face Highland in the final at Murrayfield on April 16.