Ardrossan Accies under-18s crowned league champions

In doing so, they were also crowned league champions - and completed the campaign with an unbeaten record.

The destination of the West Club League South Section trophy was determined at the weekend, with Ardrossan hosting arch-rivals Newton Stewart at the Memorial Field in a winner takes all match.

It was the Accies' third encounter with the Galloway men this season, and it proved to be yet another intense and physical encounter.

With the opposition boasting several players regularly turning out for the senior men’s team, the North Ayrshire outfit knew they’d have to step up their game - which they did from the off.

(Image: Submitted/Douglas Torrance)

Pressure was applied to an early Newton Stewart lineout which saw their ball spill, only to be pounced on by flanker Evan Mess and carried over the try line. A tricky touchline conversion from Calum Sweenie was successful, setting up the Accies for an early lead.

However, the visitors answered back with a converted try of their own after some forward pressure.

Undeterred, the Accies crept up the field through the phases and attacked the opponents’ line through short carries.

After a few attempts at busting the door down through brute strength, the Accies cleverly switched to a more skilful approach and worked the ball into the hands of onrushing centre Harris McNicol who sliced through the defence for a try under the posts which Sweenie converted with ease.

(Image: Submitted/Douglas Torrance)

The second half saw the Accies stretch the lead further thanks to several muscular carries from the pack.

Man of the match Fraser Lawrie was close to the line with several surges, but ultimately repelled. It took openside flanker Lochay Forbes to power through several defenders and set up a 14-point lead following Sweenie’s third conversion.

However, Newton Stewart were not content to see the title slip away and they battled back for their second try, again through their strong carrying game.

(Image: Submitted/Douglas Torrance)

However, two well taken penalty kicks in the final quarter of the game put the Accies out of reach, even with a third try from the visitors in the dying minutes.

With a final score of 27-21 to Ardrossan, the celebrations began on the touchline thanks to the healthy crowd cheering on the home team.

A league victory was in the bag, and an undefeated run of games left in their wake.