The Glenturret Whisky Crieff 7s

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Strong start to the 7s season for the Men’s Squad.

Perthshire made the short journey west along the A85 to local club Crieff with two squads of players hopeful to get off to a good start in the 7s season in preparation for our own tournament in 2 weeks.

Perthshire A were drawn into what would turn into a tough group of Morrisons FPs and Alloa.

Perthshire B were drawn into another very competitive group with Hydro and Crieff A.

Perthshire A were first to head onto the pitch wearing the traditional Perthshire colours to play Morrisons FPs who had already beaten Alloa. The message from coach Matt Stevens was to get a good fast start. That’s exactly what ‘Shire A did, scoring two quick tries in the first half to take a 14-0 lead. This set the tone for the rest of the fixture with the final score ending 45-10 with ‘Shire showing some great 7s skills, but with still room for improvement.

Perthshire B were next onto the pitch, donning the alternative strip of red & black. They played a well drilled Crieff A side who were clearly well prepared for their home tournament. The home side the winners but with ‘Shire showing some promising signs when they had the ball.

In to the second round and it was still all to play for for both teams. Perthshire B faced Hydro. Its was a very open, end to end, high scoring game with plenty of flare and some monster hits from big hitters Shaun Barton and Kieran Ramsay. The result was shared in a 24-24 draw.

Perthshire A next faced Alloa in what turned into a fiery, physical match. Alloa started the brighter of the two teams with two well taken tries from offloads. Perthshire rallied to get one back before halftime to get themselves back into the game. Unfortunately poor discipline and ball retention cost ‘Shire A and they went down 25-10 to the Clackmannanshire side.

Both the Perthshire teams were in the hand of points difference: ‘Shire B managed to scrape into the Plate semis with a better points difference than Hydro who had lost heavily to Crieff A. Kirkcaldy awaited them in the next round.

Meanwhile, ‘Shire A had secured themselves a spot in a Cup semi thanks to their impressive win in the first match against Morrisons. They were to face Morrisons Futures in their semi final match.

Kirkcaldy had clearly put some good preparation into their 7s season, moving the ball well, avoiding contact where possible and striking with speed and accuracy when opportunities came their way. ‘Shire B definitely did not embarrass themselves, with some flowing moves of their own but eventually they just ran out of energy to contain the Kirkcaldy attack.

Hopes of silverware now rested on the ‘Shire A team. The message at the start of the game from Matt Stevens was the same: fast start and look after the ball. The team did exactly what was demanded of them with two quick tries to take a 2 score lead. Morrisons Futures though came back with typical youngster energy. In the end though, hypnotising moves from Rory Bayne and tries from Tom Colvin & Rabson Chipakupaku were enough to see the Shire side through to the final, winning by 2 points.

‘Shire A were all out on their feet. Injuries had started to creep into the squad and legs were beginning to get heavy and stiff. Sensing this, experienced coach Matt Stevens rallied the troops. “Everyone always gains that extra bit of energy for a final,” he told the squad as they took on much needed food and water.

The message from co-captains John Kelly and AJ Guthrie was simple: enjoy the moment, play our rugby and keep the ball. Gordonians were undoubtedly going to be a tough challenge, but nothing we couldn’t overcome if we played to our full potential.

Gordonians were well prepared. ‘Shire matched them for the opening stages with defence holding strong. Then, one offload and Gordonians were away. Advantage GoGos. The match flowed as momentum pendulumed between the teams. Trading scores and putting on a show for the large crowd who had gathered for the main final of the day. When the ref blew for full time Perthsire had been beaten 25-35, but smiles were still across the faces of all in the squad.

A massive thank you to all involved in organising the event in Crieff. Also a big thanks must go to coaches for the day Matt Stevens, Graham Smith and Graham Binnie.

Perthshire travel to Cupar for the Howe 7s this weekend as they continue to prepare for Perthshire 7s on May the 11th during the Perth Beer Festival.

Stepping Down

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Perthshire 22 – 52 Strathmore

‘Shire exit the National Leagues after a tough season.

Perthshire took to the North Inch for the final 15s match of the season. It has been tough and, in many ways, ‘Shire have been the architect of their own problems. However, those considerations were for another day, the visitors were riding high and up for this Tayside derby after 3 prior postponements.

Strathmore took possession at the kick-off, but a knock-on led to a turnover to Perthshire. John Kelly made a notable jackal for Perthshire, but a high tackle penalty for Strathmore was shortly worked into a converted try, 0-7.

Calum Bruce retaliated for Perthshire with a penalty kick for an offside, narrowing the gap to 3-7. Despite defending on the line for several minutes, Perthshire conceded another penalty. Angus Walker made a crucial turnover on the try line, but the subsequent lineout was overthrown allowing Strathmore the space & positions to score their second try, 3-14.

The Forfar team continued to dominate with a quick break leading to a converted try. Despite a chop tackle from Rhys Darlington and Angus Walker holding the ball up on the line, Strathmore managed to score an unconverted try on the wing, 3-26.

A strong carry from James Mair, followed by a few pick-and-goes, was turned over when Perthshire attacked wide. Strathmore managed scored an unconverted try, to make it 3-31 at the halftime whistle.

The second half saw substitutions for both teams, with James Whyte and Rabson Chipakupaku coming on for Cammy Craig and Lewis Gray. Perthshire kicked off the second half, and Strathmore quickly scored a converted try after moving the ball left to right to then under the posts, 3-38.

A line break from Strathmore saw them pressing the ‘Shire try line, but a knock-on gave possession back to the home team. A draw and pass from Rabson Chipakupaku to Aidan Watson sparked a 50m run, where Watson stepped 3 defenders before diving under the sticks. The conversion taken quickly by Calum Bruce, 10-38.

Lewis Murrie was shown a yellow card for a high tackle but numbers were evened soon after as a late hit on Calum Bruce took Strathmore down to 14 men for 10 minutes.

Aidan Watson was on the attack again, after fielding a kick he was taken high. Opting for the penalty scrum Perthshire failed to capitalise and a knock on sent them backwards and ultimately led to a Strathmore try.

The match was getting to it’s conclusion but there was still time for more action. A driving maul from a ‘Shire lineout allowed Kieran Maclean to force his way over for an unconverted try. Minutes later after outmanoeuvring the opposition scrumhalf at the base of a scrum, Aidan Watson was right in behind and only stopped by a high tackle. The penalty was taken quickly and a try by Angus Walker followed 2 phases later. Calum Bruce adding the 2 points, 22-45.

Strathmore got the final say as they scored in the final play to end the game at 22-52 in the visitors’ favour.

Pride was played for by both teams and Perthshire conclude the season in 8th out of 10 teams in National 4. As 3 teams go down, the North Inch club leave the National Leagues and return to the Caledonia Regional Leagues for the first time since 2014. The players have worked hard, been unlucky but ultimately didn’t get the results when they were needed. A review in the off-season and ‘Shire will be back looking to rebuild and return to the National Leagues.

Before that there is the 7s season. Perthshire have entered Crieff next week, Howe of Fife the following Saturday, then there’s the big home tournament & the Perth Beer Festival 11th May; before finishing with a trip West & “overseas” to the Mull 7s.

Photographs taken & available from Strathmore Rugby Club Facebook page.

Perthshire RFC - Logo

Succession Forum Positions Available

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Perthshire Rugby Members, Volunteers, Supporters & Friends.

Further to the recent communication relating to the Succession Forum, please see information relating to available positions.

We actively encourage your support, engagement & attendance to continue to build a stronger future and ensure that Perthshire Rugby remains at the forefront of Scottish Rugby.

Ahead of the Open Forum if anyone has any enquiries or expressions of interest, please reach out to a committee member, section head or team manager or alternatively email admin@perthshire-rfc.co.uk.

Every member of the club contributes to our legacy, your participation is vital. Share your thoughts, propose ideas, and contribute to our vibrant rugby family. Together, we’ll shape Perthshire Rugby’s journey.

We look forward to welcoming as many people as possible on the 15th April 2024 from 6:30pm.

Many thanks in advance.

 

Allan Brown

Chief Executive

Perthshire Rugby

Invitation to the Perthshire End of Season Awards Dinner 2024

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The 2023-24 season is coming to its conclusion, with success and excitement on & off the pitch. To celebrate all players, coaches, members and supporters are invited to the annual Awards Dinner. Its an evening not to missed with 14 awards to be announced and presented on the night across the whole of Perthshire Rugby Club.

Look out for the nominations being announced over the coming weeks on the website and social media.

It will be held in the Salutation Hotel, 34 South Street, Perth on Friday 31st May 2024. Arriving from 7pm to be seated by 7:30pm.

Tickets at £40 per head, can be obtained via the Club web shop https://www.perthshire-rfc.co.uk/product/awards-dinner-2024/ for tables of 8. Alternatively, they can be bought in cash given to the Club Captain Rhys Darlington clubcaptain@perthshire-rfc.co.uk

Closing date for ticket sales is Monday 20th May.

Players from the U18s can claim a £10 discount off their ticket. Details of how to buy these will come from your Team Manager as they are NOT available online.

The menu will be: Lentil soup (v); Steak Pie with seasonal vegetables and potatoes; Sticky Toffee Pudding with pouring cream. To advise of preferred table seating and dietary requirements (vegetarian/vegan alternative available) please write in the “Order Notes.”

All other queries please e-mail: clubcaptain@perthshire-rfc.co.uk

For those who wish to kick off the festivities early The Unofficial Awards/Pre drinks will be held in the Silvery Tay from 5pm (Strictly over 18s only)

See you there for a great evening to end the 2023-24 season!