Squad Goals: Preseason Campaign Begins & Players’ Court
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards 26 – 21 Perthshire
After stuttering start Perthshire begin to show their ability, but game is cut short by injury.
There was great anticipation and excitement throughout the squad as the first preseason match came. It was time to see how the gym sessions in the off-season and recent preseason “beastings” would translate as performances on the pitch. This was a return fixture against our friends at the Royal Scot Dragoon Guards and saw a Perthshire squad of 26 players pull on the Black & White shirt.
The forecast torrential rain stayed away and it was a hot calm day at the Leuchars base. Arriving later than planned after a few mishaps on the road there wasn’t much time to warm up. 1XV Captain Ryan Miller is still injured so Mat Rae took up the mantle. It was a chaotic fast paced opening period with Perthshire trying to play at 100mph and the Fijians of the Dragoons responding the same. Perthshire’s set piece was solid both lineouts & scrums dominant but ball retention was not there. The Dragoons too often turning over rucks, striping the ball or Perthshire dropping passes.
The first 2 tries went to the Dragoons as they built up pressure on a frantic Perth: one through a neat back’s move and the other a stunning counterattack by their centre. Perthshire rallied and when stringing the phases together put the military men under pressure and they who would concede penalties. After a few misses Perthshire opened their account with Dan Rae bursting through from close range, Calum Bruce made the conversion.
Soon after Jay Pettie was fingertips away from taking a pass that would surely have led to another try. There were two penalties added by the Dragoons and the first period ended 16-7. A full change of the pack and reorganisation of the backline saw a different Perthshire take to the field for the second period.
Nearly immediately playing at scrum half Aidan Watson found some space to score a cracker of an individual try, again Calum Bruce added the extra 2 points. Perthshire were getting the attack & defence systems going and the impact of Shaun Barton’s hard edge was noticeable at ruck time and taking the large Fijians down. A defensive lapse saw the Dragoons break away for their 3rd try making the score 26-14. The game swung back in Perthshire’s favour with progress being made up the pitch. Mat Rae took a clever ball from Aidan Watson tight to the ruck for the third converted try.
Unfortunately during a tackle a Dragoons player broke his ankle and the game was abandoned after about 55 minutes played with the score 26-21. Perthshire were really getting going and the momentum was building, it was a shame and we wish the injured player all the best and a speedy recovery.
The final part of the day was team building. The Senior’s enjoyed the hospitality in the Corporal’s Mess before moving on to St Andrew’s for a preseason Players’ Court, “smart & shorts” attire. Fun was had by all and the bar nearly ran out of pint glasses, enough said.
Special mentions to Rhys Darlington, Dean Nicholson, Paul MacLean and Gary McEwen who made their first match with Perthshire. New and returning players are always welcome to join. Please contact Club Captain, Ewan MacKessack-Leitch, for more information or to express your interest: clubcaptain@perthshire-rfc.co.uk
There is plenty for the squad to work on in the lead up to the League resuming. The positivity and belief are there and the team are coming together. Next up are Stirling County 2XV & 3XV traveling to the North Inch to play a double-header against Perthshire 1XV & 2XV. Kick-off 2:30ppm, supporters welcome to come down to watch.
