Tennent's National 2: Falkirk make history as they defeat local rivals Stirling County

That 31-20 victory at Bridgehaugh on Saturday in the Tennent's National League Division 2 was Falkirk’s first ever competitive league win over Craig Deacon’s side – and Grieve was proud of his depleted team for totally dominating the first half.

"We were absolutely delighted,” he told the Falkirk Herald. “Our first half performance in particular was very good. The fact that we got the four try bonus point wrapped up by half-time was excellent and that showed how on top we were. Some of the scores were incredible. Connor Faulds in attack was outstanding. Euan Cassells was excellent too.

“The second half, not so much. We allowed them to come back into it and our lineout wasn’t great. We certainly had a few bumps in the road and some things probably went against us.

“But we dug in and defended so well at times. To deny them a losing bonus point was another indicator of how well we did. We were missing the backbone of our team too. Stef Yarrow’s wife has just had a baby so he was missing. Harry Russell is still a week or too away and Gregor Ramsey was on his honeymoon.”

Falkirk now face a trip to Kirkcaldy this weekend as they look to stay hot on the heels of leaders Lasswade, who are four points ahead having played an extra match.

Ahead of that one, Grieve said: “It will be a tough game for us and conditions may play a part. We need to be ready for anything.”