Tayside Girls Win National Shield Final

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At 11am on under the glorious sunshine at DAM Health Stadium, Tayside v Caithness kicked off as the sides faced off for the U16 Girls Shield title.

Tayside came close to scoring in the opening minutes of the game, however a penalty awarded to Caithness just meters from the try line closed that initial opportunity.

The following 10 minutes of the match saw both sides work really hard to make ground as possession switched hands numerous times.

But it wasn’t before long that the first points of the day would be recorded. With Tayside in possession, winger Caitlan Sandilands made a speedy sprint along the right wing, before offloading the ball to her team-mate Rowan MacGugan. Quick thinking from the full-back to offload the ball to Grace Fraser allowed the stand-off to dot the ball down across the line (5-0)

Some moments later Tayside added a second score! Utilising their strong forward pack, Tayside were able to charge their way along the left-hand wing for Jocelyn Norrie, who had come onto the field to replace team-mate Eva Finnie just moments before, to cross the whitewash. Scrum-half Niamh O’Reilly added the extras (12-0).

A third score was added at 21 minutes by Tayside through full-back MacGugan, who stormed her way through the Caithness defence for what would eventually be try number one of four (17-0).

However, Caithness were still more than up for the fight! Utilising offload passes in contact, the girls in green did a fantastic job keeping the ball alive whilst making ground. As they entered their opposition’s 22, with the crowd spurring them on, a determined Caithness edged their way closer to the try line.

With just one minute left on the clock full-back, Laena Munro managed to bag Caithness’ first try of the game, with Captain Tamzin Rosie adding the extras. (17-7)

Half time score: Tayside 17 Caithness 7

The opening ten minutes once again saw both teams enjoy strong phases of attack, but it was Tayside who would restart the scoring. Dodging the defence with her fancy foot work, MacGugan crossed the line to take the score to 22-7.

And it wasn’t before long that the full-back was contributing more points to the board as MacGuagn not only bagged herself a hat-trick, but converted her own try. (29-7)

Caithness were eager to respond, and did so with just seven minutes left on the clock. After referee Gordon Galashan awarded Caithness a penalty on Tayside’s 10-meter line, a quick tap-and-go with Rosie found a gap in the Tayside defence to dive across the line, taking the score to 29-12.

But Tayside were not done, despite Caithness’ best efforts to defend their try line Morag Strang extended Tayside’s lead with their sixth try of the game (34-12), and MacGuagn closed the game by converting her fourth personal try of the match.

Full time score: Tayside 41 Caithness 12

Congratulation to our Player of the Match Grace Fraser who ‘s award was presented by Shona Campbell

Match Report Courtesy of Scottish Rugby.     Photos by Paul Devlin / SNS Group

 

Eagles Soar as North Inch Crowd Cheers

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Perthshire 60 – 10 Greenock Wanderers

Large home support boosts Perthshire to strong win.

Only 3 weeks ago Perthshire travelled to Greenock and were beaten 32-16. Today was a chance to exact revenge and for the squad to show coaches Alan Clark & Kenny Christie they have learnt and are up for the fight to stay in National League rugby. With a large crowd rallied to support the boys in this key fixture they did not disappoint.

The sunshine brought out running rugby and Perthshire brought a discipline and focus not seen for years in a team wearing Black & White. The enthralling first half saw tries from Kyle MacKinnon, Jonny Armitt, Aidan Watson, Angus Walker and Dan Rae; 3 converted by Calum Bruce. Greenock getting one in response.

It was more of the same in the second half with Kieran Ramsay x2, Calum Chalmers x2 and Mat Rae all crossing the whitewash, with 2 conversions added from the boot of Aidan Watson. Greenock pulled one back and continued in the fight but it was Perthshire’s day. The pack dominance really asserted itself and the bounce of the ball went the Eagle’s way.

It has been a long time coming, the hard dark winter training maybe now bearing fruit. Next week sees a derby with Strathmore visiting the North Inch. Perthshire need to back this performance up with another against the Forfar men to show they mean business and it was not a once off. All welcome to join the support for what promises to be an enthralling encounter. Kick-off is 3pm.

Working up the Learning Curve

Perthshire 2XV 19 – 44 Waid Academy FP

Team improves as the match progresses

By Thursday night Dave Lewis had a squad named with a full bench for the match on Saturday. A different sort of selection headache for “Big Dave” as he had to decide which players were left out such was the availability across the Senior Squad.

The 22 players that took to field had a range of experience, there were 5 players making their Perthshire debut, for some their first rugby match ever, and others who have played for regularly for the 1XV, even just last week. Waid only had 14 players and elected to use Game On rules so the sides were matched at 14 each and the game reduced to 60 minutes played over 3x 20 minute periods. As it was a hot day regular water breaks would be necessary.

Perthshire started brightly kicking off and some aggressive defence put Waid back. However, after a couple of phases the line speed dropped off and Waid’s big carriers in the midfield started taking generous chunks of territory before getting stopped. This momentum told soon after as they crashed over for the opening score.

The same pattern followed with Waid making easy yards following weak tackling, ‘Shire guilty of going too high and getting bounced. Scott Tarrant chased back to put in a magnificent cover tackle after a clean break, getting his man down, the support was there and the offload made the try. Unfortunately having put his all into the tackle Scott’s arm took the full force and suffered a nasty fracture. Everyone wishes him well for a quick recovery.

Perthshire hadn’t really had the ball and when they did often the support was a bit too slow and the speed went out of the play or Waid effected the turnover. The benefits of training together began to show as the men in Black & White hit back after some good phase play. Awarded a scrum the pack surged forward and scrumhalf Jack Mcintosh, a live wire all day, spotted the opportunity to take from the base, dummy and back himself to the line for a try converted by Rab Pittendreigh.

There was time for Waid to score once more before the opening 20 minute period was over. The hard ground claiming it’s second victim as debutant Lewis Moffat was forced off with a knee injury from the cover tackle. Dave Lewis asked his players to stay connected in attack and defence and keep low in the tackle. Then they were ready and rehydrated for the second period.

With some rejigging in the squad ‘Shire were caught a bit off guard and Waid ran in 2 quick tries, again the first up tackling letting down the home team. However, Perthshire’s set piece dominance really started to show through. In the scrums Cameron McGougan and Stevie Wilkie were solid providing more quality ball for Jack Mcintosh. Meanwhile Kieran Maclean and Ewan MacKessack-Leitch were in complete control of the lineout, winning all their own ball and making life difficult for the Waid pack.

Around half way through this period Simon McGarry made another break and was supported by Callum Coutts, as they formed formidable centre partnership. Waid infringed and this gave ‘Shire a chance for a lineout close to the line. It was secured and Jack Mcintosh found his men in the back line. However, the home team couldn’t find the breakthrough. Waid were offside and penalised for this. Mcintosh took the tap quickly sending the forwards on a foray between the posts but just short, then he spun it out to the backs. The after a series of interlinking passes and offloads Callum Coutts crossed the line to pull one back for Perthshire.

Perthshire attacked again but were thwarted by some good Waid defence and counter-rucking. On the turnover, Waid found the space to go the length of the pitch, despite the cover tackles of David Hutchison and Rabson Chipakupaku who both sprinted at least half the pitch to bring down their opposite man before the quick ruck and offloads took Waid over the line.

Going into the final period Perthshire knew that 2 more tries would earn the bonus point and then possibly the chance to win it. Debutants Mika Gratzke, Ryan Beaton and David Donovan were on the pitch and made their presence known, tackling and barging through Waid in close quarters. As they did all match Arran Sheach, Simon McGarry and Calum Coutts were winning numerous ruck penalties as Waid went onto the backfoot. Converting this pressure into points was difficult. Lineouts were won, rolling mauls set, solid scrum platforms and incisive backs runs all came but the final pass or support was not there.

Then following more devastating runs in the centres the ball went out to Colin Smith who turned on the pace. After 40m the cover brought him down. Waid earned a scrum but couldn’t clear far and ‘Shire had the opportunity to attack again. Multiple ruck & offside penalties built up as Perthshire reached the 5m line. Club Captain, Ewan MacKessack-Leitch took it quickly and squeezed under the defender to score with about 7 minutes remaining. Rab Pittendreigh made the conversion.

One more try would have earnt the bonus point but despite good efforts, especially powerful runs by David Donovan, it never came. Waid instead managed a score in the closing stages.

Dave Lewis and Campbell Watson were proud of the performance from each player. Everyone stuck in and worked hard for their teammates. The team gelled more as the match progressed and if availability stays this good there are much better days to come, such is the potential waiting to be unleashed. Grangemouth 2XV are the challenge next week, also on the North Inch with kick-off 3pm.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

Midi Girls head to Murrayfield in the National Shield Final

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Perthshire Midi Section Girls have been participating in the National Youth Cup, over the last few months.  They have come together with Montrose, Dundee and Strathmore to form the Tayside Girls team to compete in the competition.

After a successful pool in which all games were won, Tayside U16 girls met Stirling County in the semi-final.  Despite tries by Rowan M. and Ellie-Jo S. Stirling County emerged 46-10 winners.  The effort put in by all of the players was outstanding, but they were beaten by a better team who have played more regularly as a squad at a more competitive level.

Although our girls did not win on the day, their remarkable achievement throughout the competition has led them to head to the Murrayfield on Sunday 27th March to play in the National Shield Final against Caithness, this will be played at Edinburgh’s Dam Health Stadium Kick Off 11am. 

The National Cup competition has been a hugely positive experience for all our players, bringing long overdue levels of equality to girl’s rugby and finding a level at which they can push themselves onto to better levels of achievement both as players and as individuals.  It has been impressive how they have come together from four clubs across Tayside instantly creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.

The Saltire Energy’s Caledonia Cup has seen our Colt’s, U16’s and U15’s boys teams come top of their pools at the quarter final stages giving them the opportunity to host all Semi Final games at home on the North Inch last weekend.

On Saturday our Colts took on Aberdeen Wanderers.  Here they managed to shut out the opposition and scored steadily throughout the game ending up with 7 tries and 4 conversions for a 43-0 win.  They will now make the trip up to Stonehaven on Saturday to face Mackie in the Semi Final.

Our U16’s welcomed Orkney to the North Inch on Sunday.  Early exchanges showed that both sides were up for It, with both team’s forwards battling it out. Perthshire eventually secured some good position mid-way through the first half and with the ball passed out to the backs they ran in two tries. Orkney fought their way back into the game and after a prolonged period camped inside Perthshire’s 22 to score a well-earned try. Half time saw Perthshire lead 12-7.

The coaches always have confidence in the U16’s fitness and this showed in the second half with Perthshire scoring a further 5 tries to Orkney’s 1 to win the game comfortably 39-14. This was a great team performance with two tries each for Ollie MdS and Ollie M and further tries from Ben M, Bailey F and Jamie L.

Shire U15’s hosed Ellon RFC for the semi-final of the cup in a nail-biting game from start to finish. After a frenzied first 10 minutes Shire settled down and the first try came through simple rugby played well, culminating in Max G. placing the ball over the line and quickly followed by a second from Fionnlagh M.  Ellon responded with heart to see them fight back with a try form their left wing outpacing the defence.

The second half continued at the same pace as the first, with both teams matching each other every step until Fraser D. broke through the line to cover 60m only to be called back for a forward pass. This energised the Shire to double down on their effort and push Ellon until they broke through for a third try, provided by Fionnlagh, making the final score 19-5.

Good luck to all our teams who will be playing for Perthshire Rugby this weekend.

Not so Super Saturday

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Ardrossan Academicals 34 – 21 Perthshire

Disjointed performance inhibits Eagles from taking any points.

It’s never ideal to have a match on a Six Nations weekend, the Super Saturday finale less so. There were numerous players unavailable with Head Coach Alan Clark having to make all sorts of requests to be able to field 19 players. Returns to Black & White for Andrew Whitelaw and Matt Smith (after 3 years absence), helped produce a team sheet that looked capable of securing the crucial win in this relegation zone battle against Ardrossan.

The conditions were near perfect, especially for a ground that is usually very boggy and soft underfoot. The faster pitch should have helped ‘Shire who often struggle against the weight of Ardrossan’s handy forward pack. The Ayrshire men had different ideas and soon notched up the first score, a penalty try after a lineout maul was illegally brought down close to the line.

Perthshire just couldn’t string together any period of possession and went 14-0 down around the 15 minute mark as Ardrossan went through the phases and built pressure before a short pick & go made the try line and was duly converted.

This had the effect of kicking ‘Shire into life, working into the 22 where they camped for a long period, slowly working towards the line. Thwarted several times but returning for penalty advantages, ‘Shire could not break through. Then Captain Mat Rae got outside his man and nearly to the line, unselfishly he offloaded to Matt Jenns to score under the posts. Calum Bruce added the extras.

The Perthshire scrum was dominant, Ardrossan back pedalling and resorting to standing up, yet not getting penalised under the pressure. The lineout was a different matter. Ardrossan imperious in theirs and stealing at least 50% of Perthshire’s throws. This really hampered any momentum and penalties to touch could not guarantee possession allowing Ardrossan many easy escapes.

The rest of the half was mostly fought between the 22s, neither team making much progress. Ferocious tackling and jackaling by back rowers James Mair, Matt Jenns and Calum Chalmers stopping any Ardrossan advances. Ross Goodison using the touchline and producing some excellent tackles to halt any Ardrossan attacks round the sides.

The kicking game of Shire’ against the wind and slope was found wanting allowing Ardrossan time and space to clear or counterattack with interest. Discipline was poor too, with both sides conceding penalties, Ardrossan though claimed 3 points from one after Perthshire were judged offside.

More inaccurate kicking allowed the Ayrshire men to make good use of the 50:22 rule winning a lineout close to the ‘Shire line. It was well defended and turned over, but a mistake gave Ardrossan an attacking scrum. Compounding this error, a mix-up allowed Ardrossan to score straight off first phase as their centre ran through a large gap in the defensive line, 24-7.

With 2 minutes left to half time, Perthshire took the restart and magnificently reclaimed it. With a bit of momentum after 2 phases it went out wide to the back line who tried a grubber through. It ricocheted off an Ardrossan boot allowing the on-rushing defence to go straight through on to the ball. As ‘Shire had rushed up in attack the backfield was empty. The cover tackle couldn’t get there and Ardrossan earned their bonus point try to go up 31-7 at the break.

With the wind and slope in their favour for the second half, Perthshire knew they had the ability to turn it around. The next score being crucial to build momentum. For the first 10 minutes though all ‘Shire could do was defend. Ardrossan sent wave upon wave of forwards and backs to no avail. Again penalised for offside, Perthshire allowed Ardrossan repeated 5m lineouts but managed to repel the ensuing mauls. The siege was lifted with nothing conceded and Perthshire immediately went on the attack.

Ardrossan this time conceding the penalty allowed Perthshire into the 22 and with another penalty they elected to take the scrum. The home team were pushed back to about 8m from the line, James Mair picked up from the base and used his power to crash over for a try converted by Calum Bruce, 31-14.

Fresh legs of Tom Colvin and Stuart Magill came on immediately helping to up the tempo of Perthshire’s plays. Ardrossan managed to pull back a penalty after a brief foray into the Perthshire half but were once again under assault from waves of Black & White. Lewis Murrie with front foot ball was finding spaces around the pitch to send his players; Calum Chalmers, Dan Rae and Matt Smith making inroads.

Time was pressing on but Perthshire weren’t getting the break they needed, despite the efforts of all 15 on the pitch. Lineouts again failed to provide ball in promising positions so Ardrossan could exit. Eventually the third try came. Mat Rae crossed the whitewash after a deceptive backline move caught the out the Ardrossan defence.

Andrew Whitelaw moved into the fly-half position as Simon McGarry came on for Calum Bruce. Having been on the pitch a matter of minutes his opposite winger took a dislike to McGarry who received punches off the ball, showing considerable restraint McGarry refrained from returning the blows. The referee was swift to issue a red card and for the remaining 10 minutes Perthshire would have a one man advantage.

Still it wasn’t easy for Perthshire as their attacks constantly stalled, but one more try would secure both a try and a losing bonus point. Rhys Darlington had a stormer of a game putting everything into his shift, but cramping up Kieran Maclean returned to the field to take his place.

The Eagles pushed on. The clock wore down and ‘Shire were camped in the Ardrossan 22. Yet it never came. Numerous attacks, short penalties and scrums all came to nothing. Ardrossan held out and were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Perthshire will be thoroughly disappointed with the result. Conceding 2 soft tries just before half time and failing to score their fourth cost them this match. There are now only 3 matches left and Perthshire have slipped to second bottom of the league. All 3 fixtures will be at home and all supporters are encouraged to come down to the North Inch and help roar the Eagles to victory in each.

A win next week against Greenock is essential to avoid a relegation nightmare, coaches Alan Clark and Kenny Christie have set out their expectations to the squad if they want to bounce back and finish the season on a high. The 2XV will return to action next week as they host Waid Academy FP also on the North Inch. Both kick-offs are 3pm.

Photos taken by Cameron McGougan.

Defeated but not Deflated

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Lasswade 55 – 19 Perthshire

Perthshire put in improved performance as Lasswade secure promotion.

Player availability was again a challenge for the Seniors this week. Both teams had rescheduled matches but the clash with the 6 Nations and further COVID-19 cases meant the 2XV could not field a team against Waid Academy FP and the 1XV that travelled to league leaders Lasswade was missing many regular players. Before kick-off the message to the team was simple: play your best and do the shirt proud and try to spoil the party for Lasswade who would secure their promotion to National League 2 with a win.

Perthshire received and started positively, however, the ruck speed by Lasswade was very quick catching ‘Shire out who concede some early penalties. Lasswade gladly took the ground given and within 5 minutes had opened their account following a short range surge over the line.

Undeterred Perthshire kicked off and put Lasswade under pressure. The defence was hard and Lasswade had to work to make the yards. Slowly but surely they were creeping up the pitch. Then when passing out wide Aidan Watson took his chance, sped out the line intercepted and raced 60+ metres to dot down under the posts. Converted by Calum Bruce, Perthshire took the lead 5-7.

The restarts this match were not managed well by Perthshire. Lasswade quickly regained possession and another penalty conceded, they kicked to the corner. The lineout maul was set and inevitably marched forward to the line; crossed and a converted try scored.

Lasswade are league leaders for good reason and would again use their set plays to secure their third try minutes later. When Perthshire got on the front foot they would cause the hosts problems, often started by an intelligent kicking game orchestrated by Aidan Watson and Jonny Armitt. Rhys Darlington and Ewen MacDonald would make the hard yards tight to the ruck while James Armstrong and Mat Rae often got round their opposite man and in behind. However, the difference was Perthshire’s ability to build the phases or execute clinically, a number of chances and decent time in the 22 came to nothing.

When organised, Perthshire’s defence held firm. During another period of Lasswade possession the hosts could not break though. Disruption at the ruck by Angus Walker affected Lasswade’s rhythm and Calum Bruce sensing this snatched an interception close to the defending 22 and started progressing up field. Lasswade’s scramble defence closed in but on hand for the offload and change of angle was James Armstrong who sprinted the remaining 50m to score out wide.

Taking the restart Perthshire were late to the following ruck and conceded the penalty for holding on. The attacking lineout took Lasswade into the 22 and making no mistake with their passing this time scored the bonus point try.

As half time approached ‘Shire were under intense pressure, defending on the line. Lasswade’s scrum was held back and after numerous phases, Perthshire forced a knock-on and the whistle blew. 22-12 in the host’s favour.

Captain Mat Rae rallied his men, the hard work defending was keeping Lasswade honest. More precision in attack and maintaining low tackle height were key to getting something from the second half.

Lasswade upped the ante in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Perthshire were out of shape and the penalty count crept higher. The hosts exploited voraciously, with 3 tries scored in the period; including when ‘Shire were reduced to 14 men after Ewen MacDonald was shown a yellow card.

There were individual plays that saved and boosted ‘Shire, be they ruck turnovers by Arran Sheach and Angus Walker or the secure lineout takes of Tom Colvin and Ewan MacKessack-Leitch who disrupted and even stole some from Lasswade. Kieran Maclean was staking his claim to the 2 jersey, throwing well and putting an industrious shift around the park. Despite intense pressure the front row were holding the scrums.

When the momentum shifted ‘Shire made inroads, Lasswade this time incurred the ire of the referee sending a player to the bin as Perthshire returned to 15. As with the first half the execution and discipline in attack was wanting and opportunities missed.

Time was ticking down and the score stayed 43-12 for a good while before James Armstrong, who played on the edge all match, was sent to think about his penalty count for 10 minutes. Lasswade used their scrum power to hold in the forwards then the extra man told as space was exploited to score another 2 tries.

The men in Black & White never looked back and never gave up. Attacking in the final minutes, a dangerous tackle resulted in a Lasswade player now going off for the final 10 minutes. The bench made a difference as tired legs were replaced by the fresh impetus of Simon McGarry and Lewis Macpherson. Andrew Whitelaw made a welcome return to Perthshire colours to see out the match.

With James Armstrong back on the pitch ‘Shire pushed on. A lineout maul attack was unsuccessful but returning for no advantage, a short tap penalty was delivered to Dan Rae. All match he had put in the big hits and hard carries. This time he carried hard & low, bursting over the line to score with 3 Lasswade defenders hanging off him. Quickly taken, the conversion landed and with 2 minutes left Perthshire had a small window to claim a fourth try and bonus point.

It was not to be, but endeavour and heart were shown throughout. Every single player put in a shift giving the coaches a lot to think about as the final and crucial league matches approach. Congratulations to Lasswade who will rightly be playing National 2 rugby next season.

Next week Perthshire travel to Ardrossan Academicals who sit in 9th place in the table just one below Perthshire who are 8th. A win is a must to ease any risk of relegation and from Saturday’s performance there is definitely a resilient mentality within the team when up against the odds.

Veterans Call to Arms!

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Over 35s Training Returns

It’s back! Time to dust off the boots and blow out the cobwebs. Starting this Friday 11th March, Veterans Rugby training makes it’s long-awaited return to the North Inch.

Training will start at 7pm and will involve some fitness, skills, games and visits from guest coaches. The Club have been invited to 3 tournaments in the coming months so there are trophies to be won!

If you’re over 35, book your place using the Sports-Train App. If you’ve forgotten or lost your login, or already have an account but need added to the Veterans, please contact Macker who can sort it for you. If you’re new, then sign up on the Sports-Train App, the Club code is pert2438a.

Any questions please direct them to Jeremy Wares or contact Macca.

Greenock Advance as Eagles’ Focus Wanders

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Greenock Wanderers 32 – 16 Perthshire

Bruce boots ‘Shire ahead before second half calamity.

Spring was in the air as Perthshire travelled to Greenock. Fort Matilda was looking green, the sun was shining and conditions were near perfect for rugby. A large home crowd had assembled in what they hoped would be the renaissance of Greenock who have struggled this season. Perthshire’s job was simple, Head Coach Alan Clark spelt it out before kick-off: play rugby, silence the home support and put points on the board.

Perthshire received the kick-off and started brightly winning a penalty within the Greenock half. Calum Bruce took the opportunity and slotted the 3 points to take an early lead. Bad luck hit though as Claude Millée on the wing had to retire with an injury to his shoulder, seeing Aedan Milne make an early entry off the bench.

More bad luck followed as centre James Armstrong left the field injured, he would return briefly later but could not continue so by 20 minutes of the game played half the bench was used.

The referee allowed play to resume before substitution Jack McIntosh was able to get into position, taking advantage of rejigging the back line, Greenock put in a crossfield kick wide & deep into the 22. Scrambling and on the back foot Perthshire held out for a few phases but couldn’t organise the defence before Greenock pushed over for the opening score.

Hurt by this Perthshire sprung into action however, in these opening exchanges they were guilty of forcing play and making errors or giving away penalties. Nothing seemed to stick. Greenock then managed to get out wider and break down the left wing. They couldn’t cross the line but an offside penalty gave, former Perthshire player, AJ Guthrie an easy 3 points to increase their lead.

Perthshire kicked the restart deep and Greenock responded in kind. Isolated on the wing Perthshire conceded a penalty which Greenock failed to find touch with, however, the ‘Shire clearance didn’t make touch either and Greenock then put a 50:22 kick down the other wing to gain lineout throw. The ensuing maul sucked in the forwards and one pass out led to a try, 13-3 to the Wanderers.

This seemed to get the Eagles moving up the gears. The remainder of the half saw Perthshire capitalise on their obvious scrum advantage. As has been the case this season, the dominant scrum is not getting the penalties due but is providing a solid platform. Into the 22, Perthshire were struggling to make the final pass stick or build sufficient pressure to score. Then spying a space out wide Calum Bruce kicked crossfield where it bounced and landed in to the arms of the on-rushing Jack McIntosh who danced past 2 defenders to score a try converted by Bruce.

Perthshire continued to pressurise Wanderers and by the stroke of half time had secured 6 more points from the boot of Calum Bruce to lead 13-16. Captain Mat Rae took charge telling his team to trust their processes and continue ratcheting up the pressure on Greenock. Kyle MacKinnon was destroying the opposite front row, the scrum was to be the platform on which to build the win.

That message got lost. Perthshire started the second half dismally, conceding 2 tries in quick succession, including when down to 14 men, after Kieran Ramsay was shown a yellow card for a “dangerous tackle.”

There was a renaissance but ‘Shire could not hold on to their ball, often being isolated and getting turned over. Greenock played an excellent kicking game forcing Perthshire back and finding space in behind to exploit. All the day scrum was solid; James Mair and Calum Chalmers were winning turnovers and Mat Rae & Kieran Ramsay would make surges in the centre. Yet, it all came to nothing.

Tackling which had been good crept ever higher allowing Greenock more opportunities to break past defenders and ‘Shire tired. There was time for one more Wanderers score before the match petered out. Scoring 19 unanswered points in the second half allowed Greenock to seal the match comfortably, 32-16.

The home crowd were ecstatic and maybe that played into Perthshire’s second half fragility. A huge improvement is required before next weekend when a trip to league leaders Lasswade beckons. As spring is here, it’s the business end of the league season now. Perthshire are in a reasonable position but need to lift themselves up after this defeat to finish the season strongly.

The 2XV short of numbers due to COVID-19 gallantly fulfilled a fixture at Crieff while under resourced and will too face a tough away trip to Waid FP next weekend.

Photos taken by Heather Kirkman.