Alloa Brewery Cup Winners, 1991
The first Allow Brewery Cup for Scotland's top rugby clubs was won by Edinburgh Accies on 27 April 1991. The national knockout competition was a forerunner to today's Scottish Cup and we came out on top by 20 points to 10 in a hard fought final against Stirling County.
The final was played in brilliant sunshine at Boroughmuir's ground in Edinburgh played in front of around 3,500 spectators. Accies would start the game strongly and take the first points with a try by Graeme MacGregor, but Stirling County eqaulised before half-time as Jim Brough crossed for a try.
Brian Hay Smith would start the second half with two penalties to put Accies ahead 10-4 and Brian's strong kicking and fine play would later earn him the man of the match award. The strong contest would continue and Jim Brough would later equalise with a converted try.
When Accies forged ahead for the third time, there was no way back for Stirling. A Rowan Shepherd penalty, a Hay Smith drop goal and finally a Shepherd try would make the score 20-10 and clinch the cup for Accies.
Some 30 years on, Brian Hay Smith still remembers the victory clear as day:
We played well, forwards on top and lots of talent in the backs, building on the team work and spirit we developed in Canada. A glorious day up at Boroughmuir in front of a large crowd.
My abiding memories were always feeling in control , and with 10 minutes to go looking forward to the beers in the sun and finally watching Billy picking up the trophy! Top day!
For Simon Burns, the tournament was a fantastic lift during his first season as captain and a fitting rewards for a strong and committed team:
It was fantastic to lift the Alloa Brewery Cup, the forerunner to the Scottish Cup, in my first season as captain. There was a crowd of 3,500 at Meggetland that sunny day and we were deserved 20-10 winners against Stirling County. I seem to recall BHS was man of the match, about which we heard a great deal afterwards in the bar. As you might imagine, celebrations continued well into the night back in the Ben Tod Lounge!
We certainly can imagine the celebrations and I am sure many have fond memories as well!