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Club News Update

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News Update:

Rugby Season– Following our recent news item we can now confirm that the following statement has been issued by Scottish Rugby regarding the suspension of the 2019/20 rugby season.

The full statement can be read here. https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/domestic-season-to-end-and-club-hardship-fund-opens

Beer Festival & Mini Festival – In light of the current government guidance in relation to COVID-19, we have taken the decision to postpone our 10th Perth Beer Festival & our Mini Festival until May 2021

Tartan Touch – There may be some rugby played as we were due to hold Tartan Touch sessions again this summer, however we are waiting on confirmation from the SRU if this is going to go ahead.

Membership – We are pleased to announce that there will be no membership subscription fee taken this month. We will continue to review this and will advise all members in advance when the membership fee payment will restart.

We would like to thank you for your support and wish you and our rugby family all the best in these uncertain times.

Perthshire Rugby

Fighting Spirit to the Fore as Pettie Grabs Last Gasp Victory for Shire

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Perthshire 28 – 24 Strathmore

The Perthshire family bade a final farewell to their captain, friend and teammate on Thursday and although Adam is no longer with us in body it is clear that part of his soul lives on in every single one of the players.   From being down and almost out, trailing by 17 points after 45 minutes, Perthshire dug deep, found a new resolve and rallied to a thrilling finish to snatch a last-minute victory and break the hearts of their Forfar rivals.

Strathmore started the game looking very sharp and their forwards dominated the breakdown being a yard or so quicker than the Shire boys which gave their backs good quick ball but thankfully, Shire’s defence stood firm against the onslaught with Pete Saunders responsible for some big hits.  Shire dominated the scrums but the lineout was fairly dodgy at times with Kieran Ramsay once again showing his versatility this time playing number 7 but also throwing the ball in at the lineout.  Shire had their chances in the opening exchanges but the passes were just not going to hand and Strathmore opened the scoring when Dan Jones crashed through several players to score out wide.

Strathmore were guilty of giving away numerous penalties though, and this enabled Shire to gain territory with Clow and MacDonald making good inroads but Strathmore excelled in dislodging ball to counterattack.   Jonny Armitt made a lovely clear break which was taken on by the rest of the backs but again it fizzled out when the ball was lost in contact. Despite some rampaging runs by James Mair and Kieran Ramsay and dynamic runs by Mat Rae and Jay Pettie on the wings, Shire couldn’t retain possession long enough to test the visitors.  Strathmore extended their lead when full back Burgess sliced through the defence to score.  At times it looked as though Perthshire’s players were heeding Government advice about self-isolation but this had nothing to do with the coronavirus and just resulted in players becoming isolated with no support and being penalised for holding on to the ball.

Shire managed to end the half without conceding any more points but the 2nd half started ominously as Strathmore won a penalty, drove into Shire’s defence and quick ball was spun out to centre Kiely who stormed over for a 17 point lead. It fell to Shire skipper Ryan Miller to stop the rot and transform the game.   Strathmore were in full attack mode when the former Jed man read the move and intercepted a pass to race through the startled opposition for a game turning touchdown. Jonny Armitt slotted the conversion and Shire were back in the hunt.

By now, the referee had had enough of Strathmore’s infringements and produced a yellow card.   Perthshire’s players sniffed blood and all of a sudden the forwards attacked the breakdown quicker and with more numbers, the passing in the backs was crisper and smarter; and egged on by the supporters, players started to believe in themselves again. Another yellow card was produced by the referee as Strathmore conceded several more penalties and the Eagles took full advantage. A beautiful delayed pass from Miller put the onrushing Armitt in space and the full back split the Strathmore defence as he dived over. He converted his own try to make it 14-17.

The game was turned on its head now as both teams battled away in one of the most exciting games seen here for a long time.  Strathmore had Shire at sixes & sevens following a series of attacking moves and when they spread the ball to the left touchline, not enough Shire boys managed across to cover and despite a last ditch Pettie tackle, Strathmore had their 10 point lead restored. The coaches started making some changes and the injured Aidan Watson was replaced by Jack McIntosh at scrum half who injected fresh pace to the proceedings and gave good quick ball to get the fast men outside moving.  Shire’s front row were performing heroics and with Duncan Clow and Andy Jack producing the grunt in the 2nd row this was one area where Perthshire had complete domination.

The backs were now stretching Strathmore’s defence and the back three of Rae, Armitt and Pettie had pace to burn.   Ignoring a three man overlap out wide, Miller cut back inside to release Peter Saunders who took the ball with unstoppable pace and power to score under the posts.   The Perth boys were now trailing by 21 -24 and with 20 minutes left to play it was anybody’s game.  Ryan Miller delivered a neat chip over the heads of the onrushing Strath defence before collecting it and feeding Mat Rae but a last-ditch tackle prevented the try.  Jonny Armitt was next to try his luck but again he was denied by the cover defence.

Strathmore were falling foul of the referee’s whistle and Shire took full advantage by pressing forward at every opportunity. The only unit which wasn’t functioning properly was the lineout but the guts and determination shown by every player was well appreciated by the large crowd. Pete Saunders was denied a try and Blair Twaddell, who was having an excellent game as well, was halted in the process of planting the ball down for what would have been the winning try.  Shire were throwing everything but the kitchen sink into winning this match and won a penalty in front of the posts in what would probably be the last move of the game.   Take the kick at goal and earn 2 points for a draw or risk all and go for the try?  Shire elected to go for the try. The forwards drove on, sucking in players before the ball was scooped up by Ryan Miller who found Peter Saunders and he released it to Jay Pettie, screaming for the ball outside him, and the flying winger dived his full length in the corner to secure the 4th (bonus point) try and thus earn a 5 point victory with the last play of the match.

Strathmore were devastated at losing their comfortable lead but the sight of Perthshire supporters running onto the field at the end of the match and the jubilant celebrations of the home team was a sight to behold and brought back memories of past glories on the North Inch.   Many thanks to all the supporters for turning out in numbers, including the sponsors, I & H Brown, the many former players and the Perthshire Women’s and Girls players.

Rugby has now closed down until 29th March when the SRU will provide an update on whether the season will restart.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

P6 Team Crowned Winners in Cardiff

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The past couple of weeks have been extremely sad for the club but or P6 Team would like to share this news with you.

On Saturday, they took part in the Land Rover Rugby Tour 2020 Festival held in Cardiff and were crowned winners. While our thoughts and hearts were with those back home, we were honoured to take part in the touch rugby festival which was held at Cardiff Arms Park, led by Cardiff Blue’s community coaches supported by an array of Rugby Ambassadors.

The day was judged on how the players and team expressed the Land Rover Values throughout the festival. Integrity, Capability, Courage, Composure and Pride.

Their first tour for the team was a huge success from start to finish. We set off on our ten-hour coach journey down to Cardiff from Perth on Friday morning accompanied and supported by a troop of coaches, parents, grandparents and siblings. This was certainly an opportunity to get to know each other a little better and bond as a team, the excitement and anticipation of what was to come was electric.

As we arrived at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday morning, we were handed our goodie bags and were given the opportunity to have photographs taken with the Pro14 Trophy. This was followed by a training session led by the Cardiff Blues, which sharpened their skills for what was to be an excellent display of rugby from the team.

Their first match was against Bradford on Avon, this was the only other P6 team in the touch rugby festival, although this was not about winning, our players won their first match which gave them a big boost of confidence and they settled down to enjoy the rest of their matches.

The remaining games were all against P7 teams from GHA, Llandaff North, Penzance & Newlyn. Despite the obvious difference in age and degree of physicality our players were not intimidated, they remained focused, they kept their heads held high and fought on to play some skilful rugby and unbelievably, there was no sign of tiredness even after 3 hours of playing..

As a club we pride ourselves on our core values. They displayed all that is good about rugby here at Perthshire, and they deserved to be crowned winners on the day. Sportsmanship – seeing them come together as a team, support each other and encourage each other as they played, both on and off the pitch. Pride – they played with dignity, passion and honour, 123 eagles echoed around Cardiff Arms Park each time they played. Respect – respect for each other, the opposition and referee both on and off the pitch was incredible. Inclusion – they encouraged each other continuously, teamwork on and off the pitch was clear and evident ensuring all players were involved and valued. After the festival finished Perthshire led the way socially showing boundless energy; they made up impromptu games and drew the boys from Cornwall into their group.

Head Coach Alan and his team of coaches, Alec, Greg, and the two Andrews should be very proud, the team showed tenacity, resilience, and quite simply the way that they played and conducted themselves throughout the festival rewarded them with a very well-deserved win. This was a very emotional day but it showed us all that rugby is about more than just the game on the pitch, we are a family, and I am very privileged to be part of it.

Carol Ann Rose
Head of Mini Section

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Scottish Rugby suspends all rugby in Scotland effective 6pm 15/03 – 29/03

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This afternoon we received the following communication  from Scottish Rugby:

The full statement can be read here https://www.scottishrugby.org/news/scottish-rugby-suspends-all-rugby-in-scotland

This is an unfortunate changing public health situation outwith our control. We thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to monitor the situation and take advice. Scottish Rugby advise the situation will be reviewed at the end of this initial suspension period. We will provide an update as soon as available.

The implications for Perthshire Rugby are currently:

  • Our senior fixture, 14/03  is currently going ahead as planned
  • Colts v Ellon –  cancelled
  • Midi fixtures have all been cancelled – teams have the option to train. Eamon will ensure everyone kept up to date
  • Girls festival at Falkirk – cancelled – option to train
  • Mini fixtures have all been cancelled –  training currently scheduled to go ahead. Carol Ann will ensure everyone kept up to date
  • All strength and conditioning training will also be suspended
  • The age-grade programme (pathway players in Caley and Scotland) is also affected and cancelled with immediate effect for the remainder of the season.
  • The 6 Nations match between Scotland & Wales has also been postponed.

Please direct all enquiries regarding fixtures to your team manager by email in the first instance.

Thank you

Perthshire Rugby

Adam’s teammates provide fitting victory in his memory

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Perthshire 30 – 17 Murrayfield Wanderers

Perthshire’s first home match following the tragic death of Adam Pattinson was always going to be a hugely emotional event but nobody was really prepared for the enormity of the occasion. The sight of Perthshire’s 1st and 2nd XV lined up with Murrayfield Wanderers, Bannockburn and the match officials for the minute’s silence brought tears to the eyes of the large number of supporters on the touchline.   Adam’s kindness, personality, leadership and the genuine love and respect he showed to everyone he met personified why he was held in such awe by all his friends at Perthshire and beyond.   The number 4 jersey which Adam wore with such pride and distinction for more than 15 years was presented to the family by Allan Brown and Ewan MacKessack-Leitch in a very touching ceremony and Murrayfield’s captain Alex Godsmark made a very generous gesture on behalf of our opponents by agreeing to frame the jersey in a presentation case.

There was huge pressure on Perthshire’s players who were hurting just as much as anyone else at the loss of their friend and teammate and they responded to the occasion by making themselves available in numbers unprecedented this season.   The atmosphere around the North Inch was highly charged and the large turnout was a testament to the standing and respect everyone there had for Adam.

Straight from the kick off the crowd sensed that this was no ordinary game and within a couple of minutes Mat Rae sped over for the opening try.   The pressure applied from Perthshire was relentless and Jonny Armitt slotted a penalty followed by an interception from Jay Pettie on his own line and the flying winger literally ran 90 metres for an excellent solo try and Shire shot into a 13-0 lead.   Murrayfield are a strong team though and they gradually battled back into the game but Perthshire’s forwards and backs were tackling like men possessed to disrupt any attacks by the men from Edinburgh. Shire’s in your face defence was disrupting Murrayfield’s play and Jonny Armitt was unlucky not to score when he pounced on a spilt ball and narrowly lost the chase for the touchdown. Shire kept up the pressure and following a scrum, Aidan Watson nipped through the defence, fed James Mair who took it on before feeding Mat Rae and in the end, Watson was stopped inches from the line.   An audacious cross kick from Armitt almost brought another Shire score but it was only delayed a few minutes as Dan Bowater, Duncan Clow and Ewen MacDonald blasted through the middle and Bowater finished off with a powerful surge over the line. It was great to see the Eagles whipping the ball along the line at pace and Saunders and Goodison were relishing the quick ball provided by the forwards and distributed swiftly by Watson and Miller. Shire had an 18 -5 lead at half time but the strong breeze was in Murrayfield’s favour in the 2nd half.

This was a very impressive display by Shire and the return of Duncan Clow, Dan Bowater, Ross Angus, Ryan Miller, Ross Goodison & Pete Saunders had a huge impact on the game.   Murrayfield were using the wind to keep Shire pinned back in their own half but the offensive defence was very effective at keeping them at bay.  A bad mix up between Jay Pettie and Jonny Armitt allowed Pumphrey a clear run in for a try as Wanderers narrowed the gap. However, Jay Pettie marked his very impressive display by somehow evading all tacklers while running up an extremely narrow blind side and using an impressive hand off to dive over for his 2nd try.   It was real harum scarum stuff towards the end as both teams opened up and Ross Angus and Kieran Ramsay both made impressive yards before Mat Rae capped a magnificent performance by outpacing everyone on the right wing to give Shire a comfortable cushion but Peter Walker the Murrayfield flanker brought proceedings to an end with Murrayfield’s 3rd and final try.

The skill and determination from Perthshire was a sight to behold and very few teams in the league would have been able to contain this Eagles team. From the power shown by the front five, the incessant tackling and support play in the back row, the high tempo play by the half backs, the speed and defence of the centres and the incisive running of the back three, every single member of the squad played their heart out for their former skipper.

This was an exceptional victory under exceptional circumstances and every player can be proud of their efforts.  The 2nd XV showed similar heart in their 26-34 loss to top of the table Bannockburn. A penalty try as well as touchdowns for Ryan Moon, Angus Walker and Adam Dearden earned the 2s a try bonus point.

Perthshire’s coaches are hoping that they can rely on all the players to stay with the team for the run into the end of the season and if everyone is available there is no reason why Shire cannot win all of their remaining games starting with Strathmore on Saturday.     The Strathmore match kicks off at 11.30 at the North Inch and it is hoped there will be a double header with both 1st and 2nd XV’s playing.

A minute’s silence to pay tribute to Adam

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A minute’s silence to pay tribute to Adam

Match Day Programme, Saturday 7th March 2020

Last week we tragically lost our friend, team mate and “true gent”, Adam Pattinson. Our thoughts and love from everyone at Perthshire Rugby are with Claire, Fraser and Adam’s family.

There will be a minute’s silence before kick off today in mark of respect for Adam. The team will also retire Adam’s number 4 shirt from today for the remainder of this season. We trust that after the minutes silence you will join us in applauding the presentation of the shirt to the family.

Ads played a huge part in the life and soul of our club for many, many years and our hearts are broken and we are truly devastated. I am extremely privileged to say that I personally played alongside Adam for a great number of years and we shared many fond memories of some fantastic games & victories.  Adam was a tremendous guy to have on your side. A brilliant player, captain & leader with passion and inspiration in abundance. The type of player and man that many people, young and old, aspired to be. I watched Adam develop as a player, friend and leader throughout his rugby career and feel blessed to have been part of his life.

Off the field was always a good place for Adam and he really was a unique and inspiring character. Its fair to say that Ad’s enjoyed the social side of rugby making many fond memories and life-long friends. I also know from personal experience how much talent and passion Adam had for teaching. My son Hugo and his friends shared many special moments, fun and laughter with Adam or Mr P as he was fondly known.

A real passion for life, a true gent who will be sorely missed by more people than you can imagine.

I take this opportunity to tell you that the committee have been overwhelmed by the enormous kindness and generosity from players, teams, officials and clubs across Scottish rugby, such is the impact that Ads has had not just in our rugby family but across our rugby community.

We have opened a book of condolence in the clubhouse and hope to collect the tributes, special memories and best wishes of everyone for Claire, Fraser and Adam’s family to cherish in the years to come. Further permanent tributes will look to be explored at the appropriate time and we look forward sharing these as and when available.

Many thanks to Murrayfield Wanderers, Bannockburn RFC and your supporters for your support and understanding today. We look forward to enjoyable matches.

Yours in rugby,

Allan W Brown
Chief Executive, Perthshire Rugby

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