Perthshire U16’s hold their nerve against Boroughmuir

/in /by

As we approach the sharp end of the Shogun Conference, Perthshire U16’s had to hold their nerve against a tough Boroughmuir side who like Perthshire had thoughts going into this game of clinching the vital points which could eventually determine which team qualifies for the National Youth Cup Competition. The game had to be moved to the new 3G pitch at the Regional Performance centre in Dundee to ensure the game could be played amid concerns mid week about the condition of the pitches down at the Inch.

The game itself was a very close high quality game where contrasting styles made it a very interesting game for the neutral observer. Boroughmuir had put their faith in their big forward pack against the more versatile Perthshire side who preferred to run the ball wide at every opportunity.  In the end a great defensive effort combined with the ability to play wide open rugby won through for the Perthshire boys winning the game 24-17. Perthshire now move up to 4th in the table and if they overcome a struggling Biggar side on Wednesday evening they will jump up to 2nd with only 2 games remaining in the conference.

Unfortunately there were reverse fortunes for our U15’s and Colts  and the U13 and U14 games were cancelled as the pitches down at Meggetland were unplayable. Next weekend the Perthshire Midis take on Highland RFC.

 

Battling Perthshire Bogged Down in Thurso

/in /by

Revitalised Caithness subdue depleted 1XV.

Caithness 29 – 20 Perthshire

Saturday was a must win for Perthshire playing against fellow strugglers Caithness. The Thurso men had been facing a tough time but a new coaching team came in this week which heralded the return of ex-players and rejuvenation of the club. It was going to be a tough match.

Perthshire were also hit with bad luck before the match: injuries & availability for the long journey North meant only 17 players travelled, a number of whom were just back from or carrying an injury. It was to be compounded in the warm-up when Captain Ryan Miller dislocated his finger, but with no replacement backs he was forced to play 80 minutes without the full use of his left hand.

Facing into the wind and uphill for the first half, Perthshire kicked off and immediately put Caithness under pressure. There was strong defence stopping the Greens from making any headway. The line-speed and commitment were on point, Caithness were going nowhere; and then trying to round they dropped a pass out wide. Sammy Isac scooped it up, turned on the pace and ran 50m to score under the posts. Calum Bruce added the extras.

Perthshire claimed the restart but under resourced the ruck allowing Caithness to counter and win possession. Big tackles were made but the Thurso men slowly worked into the 22. A penalty for offside gave Caithness a kick to the corner where they claimed the lineout. Keeping it tight over about 8 phases Caithness managed to squeeze over for a hard worked converted try to level the scores.

Next it was Perthshire who built the attack. Working into the Caithness 22 ‘Shire kept it tight and were inching towards the line. The defence held and discipline was good from Caithness who were rewarded when Perthshire knocked on at the back of a ruck. The ball was cleared from the scrum.

Set piece has been a strong suit of Perthshire this season. However, the scrums were a lottery all day. Blair Twaddell, Ali Nisbet & Ewen MacDonald had the measure of the opposite front row but were not rewarded with the decisions from the referee. Lineouts were creaking for both teams effecting steals and overthrows at crucial times this would hurt Perthshire.

Caithness struck next. Similar to their first try, it was a case of slowly smashing tight through the forwards. The Perthshire line held out for the long siege: repelling attacking scrums, chop tackles bringing down the big men and when they got over the ball was held up. From the next scrum, the ‘Shire pack got the nudge and pushed it back. Caithness then again kept it tight and eventually were awarded with the score, to the consternation of the men in Black & White who believed they’d held it up again. The kick was good to make it 14-7.

Aggrieved Perthshire hit straight back. Under pressure in their own half, Caithness dropped the ball and Perthshire were in possession in the 22. A couple of tight phases were all that was needed before Ewen MacDonald picked from a ruck and burst through; tackled just short he stretched to touch down over the line. With the conversion from Calum Bruce it was all square at 14 apiece.

The rest of the half saw Perthshire with good plays but their mistakes and weakening lineout cost them territory and possession. It was a major blow when Blair Twaddell was forced off with an ankle injury, however, replacement Ryan Moon slotted in well and scrum dominance continued. With halftime beckoning Perthshire stole a lineout from Caithness and looked to clear. A miscommunication in the backs caused a hesitation then the pass was read by the Green’s centre who intercepted to score under the posts.

Halftime Caithness 21 – 14 Perthshire. A tactical change brought Ross Angus into the back row for Ewan MacKessack-Leitch but otherwise Head Coach Alan Clark told his team to keep up the work rate and the points would follow, especially now with the wind and slope in his team’s favour.

From the off it didn’t go to script. Perthshire surrendered possession and Caithness again slowly built the phases. Dan & Mat Rae put in many big hits and the Thurso men never got any change through the centres so kept it tight. They squeezed over out wide; the referee dismissive to appeals for holding on; Angus Walker & Ross Angus both getting over the ball but not rewarded for their efforts.

Caithness missed the conversion but now had a decent lead 26 – 14 and would spend the remaining 35 minutes defending it. Try as they might Perthshire weren’t playing rugby in the right places. Most of the second half, maybe 80-90%, was played in the ‘Shire half. The two times they escaped Caithness conceded penalties which Calum Bruce kicked over. It was all set for a close finish 26 – 20.

The score remained tight right until the final few minutes. Poor kicks, weak kick chase, floundering lineouts, forward passes, unlucky calls from the referee; nothing was going Perthshire’s way and they never got on to the front foot. Caithness to their credit kept it simple, holding Perthshire back and forcing them to play out.

With about 6 minutes left the Green’s won a penalty on front of the posts and took the points to go a score clear. Perthshire emptied the tank in the final minutes and tempers started to fray, but there was no repeat of last year’s heroic win at the death. It ended Caithness 29 – 20 Perthshire.

This marks the halfway point in the league. Perthshire have only 1 win to their name and sit firmly in the relegation zone, though do have 2 games in hand. There are no dominant teams and Perthshire have shown capability in all their matches. Bad luck has played its part but Perthshire need to continue training hard and must improve especially in the second 40 minutes and exiting safely their own half. The results can come and need to soon.

A similar story affected the 2XV. Away against a strong Waid Academy FP in a very wet Anstruther the match started with Perthshire on the front foot. Playing some good attacking rugby, however, they were guilty of not turning pressure into points. This was a match where the first try would be crucial and so it proved when Waid scored on the counter. Perthshire had over committed in attack and knocked on which Waid gladly picked up and sprinted to score. This pretty much set the scene for the match with men in Black & White always in the game, but just lacking in execution when reaching the Waid 22. Whereas Waid were the opposite and scored on most visits to the Perthshire 22.

The final score Waid Academy 53 – 0 Perthshire 2XV suggests a one-sided match. However, for the 2s there were a lot of positives: good attacking and tackling in awful weather. This game just got away from the 2s who were then always chasing and pushing maybe 1 pass too much. Spirits are high in 2s camp and they are starting to move into a series of games which will define the season.

With only this game played in Caledonia Midlands League 3 this week, due to lack of numbers in the other games, the fact that Perthshire 2s can field 21 players is a credit to the Club in getting players playing rugby.

Next up is another long trip for the 1s away to Greenock Wanderers who only narrowly won at the North Inch in the season opener. For the 2s it’s a home fixture against Bannockburn. Both matches kick-off at 2pm, all supporters are welcome to travel to Greenock or come to the North Inch for the 2XV match.

Perthshire Rugby Kit Sponsor Opportunities 2019-2021

/in /by

Perthshire Rugby Kit Sponsor Opportunities 2019-2021

Perthshire Rugby continues to be recognised as one of the leading providers of amateur rugby in Scotland.

As one of our valued supporters of Perthshire Rugby we would like to give your business the opportunity for your brand or logo to be featured on one of our team match tops as one of our Kit Sponsors. There are a variety of sponsorship options, front of shirt, back of shirt and sleeve. The sponsorship commitment would be for 2 years.

We will soon be placing an order for new strips for our Midi Section, Mini Section, Girls and Women. Please click the link below to see what options are available or alternatively for more information please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing Carol Ann at admin@perthshire-rfc.co.uk.

Perthshire Rugby Sponsorship Opportunities & Tariffs 2019-2021

Thank you. Your support would be very greatly appreciated.

 

Fumbling Perthshire Turned Over by West

/in /by

Perthshire take a backwards step as unforced errors cost them dearly

Perthshire 10 – 20 West of Scotland

Perthshire did not have their troubles to seek this past week. A very late call off by Murrayfield Wanderers last weekend and the floodlight failure enforcing gym only training were not ideal. When it came to Saturday the pitch was hard in patches and it was uncertain the match would go ahead. These factors may have had an effect on Perthshire who seemed lacklustre and inaccurate for long periods of the match.

When 2pm came the pitch had thawed and West of Scotland kicked-off. James Mair gathered, and Perthshire took it to the visitors. Showing strong running and intensity they pushed upfield. West couldn’t get a hold of the ball, Angus Walker was turning them over at every ruck. A kick over the top forced an error from the West defence and Perthshire were awarded a scrum about 15m out from the line. The pack were solid, giving clean ball to Ryan Miller, he spun it to fly half Adam Dearden who had a pick of the back line players to choose from. His pass went to Jonny Armitt unseen by the defence as he sliced through, rounded the full back and touched down by the posts. No mistake as he converted his try.

Perthshire failed to clear their lines from the restart allowing West their first real possession. It was simple but effective rugby from the Burnbrae men, short passes and tight lines. Eventually, despite desperate Perthshire defence, they smashed their way over near the corner for an unconverted score.

Having started brightly inaccuracies were beginning to hamper Perthshire. Unable to get much go forward the ball was surrendered cheaply on multiple occasions. However, the set piece was working well and West weren’t really able to take advantage.

West played the conditions well utilising an effective kicking game. Perthshire were caught short and fumbled in their own half conceding an attacking scrum to West. The pack heaved to disrupt and it was unclean ball for the visitors but a defensive mix-up in the centres allowed West through for their second score. It too went unconverted. Perthshire 7 – 10 West of Scotland.

The men in black & white hit back and West were called offside in their 22. With the scrum dominating rather than take a simple 3 points they opted for a scrum. A solid platform and the backline were surging forward. The last pass was dropped and West were momentarily safe. From just outside the 22 Perthshire again started to build the attack with a few phases of tight play then half-breaks in the backline. The momentum was building but further knock-ons and isolated runners squandered any opportunity and West were able to fully clear.

The remainder of the first half was similar. Perthshire fighting to work upfield only to be their own worst enemy and lose it. Good tactical kicking from West would force the men in black & white back to square one. The defence was just holding as West had numerous attacks thwarted. The lineout & scrum dominance was keeping Perthshire in the game.

Half time came and Perthshire knew they need to start playing rugby in the opposition half and exit quickly to relieve pressure rather than try to play out.

The second half started promisingly as Perthshire got into the West 22 and won a penalty. This time they opted to go for goal and Jonny Armitt duly slotted the kick. All square Perthshire 10 – 10 West of Scotland.

As with the past few games ‘Shire waned as the match proceeded. Still fighting but very slow they were holding on, but only just. Mistakes compounded mistakes and with a change in the pack the scrum started going backwards.

West had numerous 5m scrums which with the soft ground they were pushing the distance, however, a knock-on, fumble or holding the ball up would save Perthshire. It couldn’t last forever and eventually a West pass didn’t go to hand but ‘Shire weren’t looking up and the West No. 8 picked it up as the defending players parted, like the Red Sea for Moses, for an easy walk over to score. West had a bad day with the boot; it was now Perthshire 10 – 15 West of Scotland.

The restart went straight out and again Perthshire were under huge pressure in the scrum. The North Inch crowd of ex-players couldn’t believe how difficult Perthshire were making it for themselves. Mistake, knock-on, accidental offside, loose kick, no kick-chase, isolated runners; hard work would be undone making it all too easy for West.

Perthshire were let off some more when West dropped the ball over the line, missed a penalty and again were held up from a driving scrum. It was frantic stuff. With about 10 minutes left on the clock Perthshire won a turnover and set upfield. West were offside at the ruck and a penalty kick went to touch for a lineout 20m from the try line. Having worked well all day the lineout failed and West were given the option to exit. Perthshire pressurised but couldn’t get it back and were soon down in their own half.

The match ended with West of Scotland breaking clear from just outside the 22 to score in the corner, earning them the bonus point win and denying any league points for the Home team. Final score Perthshire 10 – 20 West of Scotland.

The 2XV were playing at home too against local rivals Crieff, but they also had a bad day. It was a similar theme with unforced errors in attack and missed tackles contributing to a 7 – 70 loss.

Next week will again feature two home matches on the North Inch. The 1XV face newly promoted local rivals Strathmore and the 2XV have a friendly against Carnoustie. All supporters are encouraged to come down and cheer on your team. It will have to be a hard week’s training to sort out the errors or as we approach the halfway point in the season or the outlook will again look dangerous near the bottom of the table.

A Eulogy to Georgie Watson by Adam Pattinson

/in /by

A Eulogy to Georgie Watson

On Friday 1st November, family and friends gathered to say our final fairwells to the wonderful Granny G.  We would like to share this moving eulogy delivered by Adam Pattinson who summed up just how much she meant to the club and her boys, perfectly.

Georgie Watson was, quite simply, a giant of Perthshire Rugby.  Now, while she didn’t exactly stand head and shoulders over anyone (well, maybe apart from 1st XV captain Ryan Miller), it was the enormity of her dedication, devotion, compassion and generosity for her club and ‘her boys’ that made her the unassuming, but towering matriarchal figure that she was.

Georgie’s presence has been keenly felt at the club for the best part of  20 years. During this time, she was always at the forefront when it came to helping with the running of match days for the 1st XV. For years, she and her beloved Graham would be found working in harmony, patrolling the side-lines selling programmes. Sometimes Georgie even found the time to watch the match. You could always rely on Granny G to give an honest appraisal of what she saw. If you played well, she would let you know. If you didn’t, feedback was, thankfully, always given constructively.

Behind the scenes, Georgie worked tirelessly for the club. As a most dedicated follower and committee member, her time and support were always freely given. Her generosity in producing food for the committee, providing prizes for the raffle and for the players was, frankly, unbelievable. Georgie was determined to make the experience for visiting clubs as welcoming and hospitable as possible. She resoundingly succeeded in that. This generosity did not escape the attention of our visitors and was reciprocated when Georgie supported the boys away from home.

Such was the indelible impression she made, Georgie was frequently invited to join in the pre-match festivities when travelling to other clubs. I know this is something for which she was truly grateful, but something for which she was fully deserving. With Georgie gone, it is not just Perthshire Rugby Club that is in mourning. Many other clubs have also expressed their sadness, making crystal clear just how well-respected and well-loved she was across the board.

As a player, you always felt a little glow when you knew Granny G was supporting you, whether home or away. Whenever I walked past her seat before getting off the bus, she would always reach out, take my arm and offer a few words of encouragement. Those words always helped me to focus and give my best on the pitch. I will always treasure those special wee moments of support when I think of Georgie, and I know there are many players, past and present, who have similar memories of time spent with Granny G to cherish. Hold on to them.

When we lose a loved one, those left behind struggle to feel much other than grief and loss. Georgie would certainly not want us to be bothering with anything like that! She believed in living life to the full and that’s just what she did. There were very few people of her years who could have kept up with a bus-load of rugby players, but she managed! She enjoyed many a bus trip and a glass or two, or three of G&T but somehow never appeared remotely affected. The same cannot be said about the players at the back of the bus!

Normally, an away bus trip for an amateur player is a total hassle. Earlier meet times, more time away from family, friends, partners, X Boxes and so on. However, the same cannot be said for Perthshire bus trips when Granny G was coming along. It is time now to reflect on her most famous contribution to the rugby club… Granny G’s legendary millionaire shortbread!

For years, players would relish the challenge of trips to Dumfries, Ardrossan or Caithness as long as there was the sweet relief of a slice or two of that shortbread on the way home. In hindsight, we would have won far more matches if we were only rewarded with it following a victory, but Granny G would share the love win, lose or draw. People in my family still talk about after I asked her to make a batch for Claire and my engagement party. I had hoped for a nice Tupperware full for the gathered crew. Let’s just say I was delighted when four appeared! Typical Georgie generosity.

Without doubt, Georgie’s support kept the rugby club going, but the rugby club played its part in keeping Georgie going, too. In good times and bad, getting out an about in the company of close friends gave the club as big a lift as it gave her. Georgie would never have considered herself to be a giant of the club, such was her nature, but if she’s having a look down on us just now, G&T in hand and Graham by her side again, I hope she realises just how important she was and just how much she will be missed. Granny G, you may be gone, but your family, your friends, your club and your boys will not forget you.

All our love.

 

A message from Claire, Georgie’s Grandaughter

The Watson family would like to take this opportunity to express their deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the lovely messages of love and kindness shown to them on the loss of Georgie. They have been truly touched by the support they have received from Perthshire Rugby, its Supporters, Sponsors and the wider Rugby Club community who have taken the time to pay tribute to Granny G. She will be sorely missed by us all.

 

A day to reflect on the life of a treasured friend

/in /by

Today with great sadness our Perthshire Rugby family is thinking of our much treasured friend, supporter and dedicated volunteer, Georgie Watson. We will gather today to reflect and pay our respects. Our love and best wishes are with Georgie’s family. Thank you to everyone and all the clubs that have been in touch and expressed their condolences.

Perthshire Rugby Club Captain, Ewan MacKessack-Leitch, arranged for this photo to be taken earlier in the season. We sent it to Georgie to let her know that we were thinking of her.