Ten Try Triumph in Tranent

Ross High 22 – 71 Perthshire

Success on the road as young team show potential.

Perthshire made the trip to East Lothian missing their captain, vice-captain and without a win in their first three league fixtures. However there was belief in the young travelling squad and a real desire to take the game to Ross High and showcase the style of rugby they are endeavouring to play.

Playing down the not insignificant slope in the first half, it nevertheless took Perthshire a while to get their attacking game going. The opening 10 minutes were played out largely between the 22s with both teams defending well and neither side able to get into their stride. Perthshire were the first side to attempt and get on the scoreboard after winning a penalty just inside the Ross High half, however Calum Bruce’s penalty was poorly struck and well wide of the mark.

It didn’t take long for Perthshire to open their account however, after Ross High spilled the ball around the halfway line it was hacked through and a desperate chase back ensued. Although Ross High won the race, the resultant goal line drop out was claimed within the 22 allowing a fantastic attacking opportunity for Perthshire. As the ball was moved wide, Ross High infringed at the ruck and the penalty was kicked into the corner. The forwards executed a beautiful lineout driving maul and Ross Goodison dotted down for the games first points. Calum Bruce was on target with the conversion from out wide.
Ross High 0 – 7 Perthshire

Despite this setback Ross High struck back almost immediately. Although they knocked on from the kick off, they won a penalty at the resultant scrum and decided to take the three points from right in front of the posts.
Ross High 3 – 7 Perthshire

Perthshire now started to apply pressure, coming agonisingly close to scoring with another impressive driving maul before pounding away on the Ross High line. Despite some stoic defence, Adrian Venter eventually managed to contort himself twisting to score Perthshire’s second try which was again converted from the right touchline.
Ross High 3 – 14 Perthshire

By now Perthshire were starting to look dangerous when attacking wide with ball in hand. After one such attack, Ross High attempted a clearing kick from within their 22. Aidan Watson returned this with a kick of his own and followed up his own kick by tackling the Ross High fullback over his own try line, to give Perthshire the attacking scrum. This time however the Ross High defence held firm despite numerous phases and Perthshire decided to kick the penalty when one was awarded close to the posts.
Ross High 3 – 17 Perthshire

Perthshire remained firmly in command as the half progressed, although they passed up an opportunity for more points when deep in the Ross High 22 it proved to be only a temporary reprieve. An excellent Jack McIntosh box kick bounced into touch as a 50:22 providing the next attacking platform, and this time as the ball was spun wide it was the impressive Shaun Barton who handed off a myriad of would-be tacklers to score in the left hand corner. This time Calum Bruce was unable to add the extra 2 points.
Ross High 3 – 22 Perthshire

Rory Bayne was next to threaten the Ross High line, chipping over the defence and showing his speed he appeared to have reached the ball first for the try – the referee was unsighted however and not feeling able to award the try he awarded a 5m scrum to Perthshire. James Mair carried powerfully from the base and was stopped just short, but after another couple of phases the ball was released to the backs and with everyone expecting the ball to be spun wide, the ball was slipped to Laurence Knight on the short line to crash over underneath the posts. The conversion was slotted from in front of the posts.
Ross High 3 – 29 Perthshire

With halftime fast approaching there was still time for one more Perthshire score. More excellent play took Perthshire into the Ross High 22 and with the referee playing an advantage, Calum Bruce took the opportunity to attempt a chip over the onrushing defence. This dropped into his grateful arms and he was able to dive over the try line, converting his own score in the last act of a thrilling first half.
Half time: Ross High 3 – 36 Perthshire

Head coach Graham “Smudge” Smith’s message at half time was to keep up the intensity and not to let Ross High get any momentum playing down the slope in the second half. However he needn’t have worried as it took the boys in Black and White less than a minute to further extend their lead. From the kick-off the ball was shifted left to Ross Goodison who broke through a couple of tacklers and popped the ball to Rory Bayne who took the ball at pace, drew the final defender before passing back to Ross who sprinted the last 20m to score under the posts; which was converted.
Ross High 3 – 43 Perthshire

After absorbing some Ross High pressure, Perthshire’s next score came off the back of a lovely backs move. Having switched into the first receiver position, Rory Bayne passed to Calum Bruce in the midfield. With Laurence Knight interesting the midfield defence the ball was played out the back to Rory on the loop. He found Aidan Watson straightening the line and gliding through, and although he could have given the pass earlier, he managed to get the ball out to Shaun Barton who dived over for his second score of the day. Calum Bruce converted from the left hand touchline.
Ross High 3 – 50 Perthshire

Perthshire were soon back on the scoresheet. James Mair claimed the kick and this time it was Tom Colvin breaking the line. Once again Rory Bayne was on hand to take the pass, beat a defender and although it appeared he could have scored the try himself, he unselfishly passed to Thomas Pounder who scored in the corner on his 1XV debut. Calum again converted from the left hand touchline.
Ross High 3 – 57 Perthshire

Soon back in the Ross High 22, Sam Morris came desperately close to his own debut try, however the cover defence just managed to prevent him. Perthshire were playing with penalty advantage however and going back to the opposite touchline a quick tap and go allowed Adrian Venter to slip round the unguarded blindside for his second try of the day. Calum was again successful with the conversion.
Ross High 3 – 64 Perthshire

Perthshire’s final try arrived with 20 minutes to play. Laurence Knight made the initial break from midfield and although he was stopped just short of the line, the Black and White jerseys were queueing up on the left hand side. Fittingly it was Rory Bayne who got over for a deserved try after a fantastic performance. Calum Bruce again converted.
Ross High 3 – 71 Perthshire

All credit to Ross High who kept playing right until the end and scored three unanswered tries in the final 15 minutes with the final score reading
Full time: Ross High 22 – 71 Perthshire

Despite the late scores it was a fantastic day for Perthshire who played some great rugby and were rewarded with 10 tries in total. There were excellent performances throughout the team in addition to 1XV debuts for Thomas Pounder, Sam Morris and Cameron Craig who can all be very proud of their efforts.

Next up is a return to the North Inch for a clash with Whitecraigs on Saturday 30th September – all supporters will be very welcome as the side seek to build on this positive performance and victory. Kick-off 3pm.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.