Obituary

/in /by

We are saddened by the recent passing of Eleanor O’Driscoll, Gilmour McFarlane, Bob Loudon, and Jim Green, all valued supporters of Perthshire Rugby. Each of them dedicated and passionate supporters, their commitment to the club will be fondly remembered by all those who knew them. Their presence at the games and their unwavering support contributed greatly to the spirit of our rugby community.

We pass on our condolences to their families at this time. Our thoughts are with them as they navigate through this difficult period of loss.

A Triumph in Turriff

/in /by

Turriff 17 – 39 Perthshire Women

Seven try Perthshire open Plate campaign with strong performance on the road.

Perthshire women travelled to Turriff for their first ever match in the National Plate competition. The long bus trip didn’t stop Perthshire from starting brightly, dominating the first 2 minutes with some controlled phase play, finished by a dive over the line from Fiona Gordon. The try was converted by Sarah Blackwood.

A few minutes later, Perthshire made a good break up the right wing, but the ball was lost in contact and Turriff exploited the broken play and scored their first try of the day.

Perthshire’s next two tries both came from sustained pressure, with some good handling by backs and forwards, to be well finished off with some determined running by Lydia McGinley. Perthshire continued their positive play and were rewarded again when Alex Ward used some excellent footwork to beat the defence for a fourth try.

Late in the first half, Lydia was able to keep a clearing penalty kick infield and after some effective offloads and rucks, Heather McKenzie stormed over for a fifth try. Turriff finished the half with a well worked try of their own, taking the half time score to 12-27.

The start of the second half was very evenly contested, but a sharp piece of work from Paula Watson (making a welcome return after a broken arm) 5 metres from the Perthshire goal line allowed Chloe Bennett to make a great break all the way to cross the opposite try line. This sixth try was successfully converted by Sarah.

Turriff put ‘Shire under pressure during the next few minutes and an untidy defensive lineout allowed them to touch down for their third try. Turriff continued to battle hard but some determined defence from ‘Shire kept up the pressure.

A scrum inside the Turriff 22 was taken against the head by Sarah. Heather picked up at number 8 and made a good break. The recycled ball was passed out to Lydia who scored her third try of the day taking the final score to 17-39, an excellent win on the road.

We look forward to playing Moray in our next match at the North Inch on Sunday 17th February with a 2pm kick-off. All welcome to cheer the women on along in the Plat campaign. We wish Turriff well for the rest of their season.

Photos taken from Gareth The Photographer.

Second Place in First Season

/in /by

Perthshire Women 15 – 37 Kirkcaldy

First league campaign over, with a second place finish.

A busy, blustery day on the Inch saw the Women take to the new riverside pitch for their final league game of the season. Injuries and work commitments meant that the side was a little short of experience in certain areas.

Perthshire played with the wind in the first half but Kirkcaldy started the better with a well worked try. They doubled their score with a good break, despite a try saving tackle from Chloe Bennett supporting players were on hand to take the offload and touch down.

Paige Klinkman, who had a fantastic game, put in her own goal line tackle which prevented a third try. Perthshire started to use the wind to their advantage and after a good long kick by Anna Davies and a great chase, there was a period of sustained pressure which resulted in a try for Chloe Bennett.

Despite some more excellent tackles by Paige and Fiona Gordon, Kirkcaldy scored a third try before half time, 5-15.

The teams exchanged scores just after the interval, with Paige making a great break to score her first try for the club. Perthshire’s third try was a thing of beauty with Lydia McGinley touching down after some accurate and dynamic handling. This brought the score to 15-20.

Injuries and enforced changes began to take their toll and Kirkcaldy scored 3 tries in the last quarter to take a well deserved win 15-37. Nevertheless, this game ends what has been a very encouraging league campaign with 6 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw; resulting in a second placed finish.

The Women now move on the National Plate competition, with an away trip to Turriff to open the competition on Sunday 4th February, and we wish Kirkcaldy well for the rest of their season.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

Bonus Point in Adversity

/in /by

Perthshire 28 – 56 Garnock

Perthshire score 4 tries against runaway league leaders.

Perthshire’s first match at the North Inch in 2024 started with both oppositions joining the 1XV & Eagles lining up for a minute’s silence to remember Club legends and members who have passed away over the last month: George Clunie, Eleanor O’Driscoll, Gilmour McFarlane and Bob Loudon. The rugby played out was in good nature and competitive to the end, a great tribute to our friends recently departed.

The 1XV received the kick with James Mair claiming it, he was taken out in the air, the referee awarding a penalty. The wind was blowing hard across the pitch making kicking and lineout throws unpredictable for the whole match. Perthshire won their first lineout but dropped the ball soon after to allow Garnock their opening attack.

The North Ayrshire men are hard runners and broke off the scrum getting in behind. Forced to front up ‘Shire rallied, with a series of ruck penalties won by Calum Chalmers relieving the pressure; earning ‘Shire a good attacking position.

The wind took the lineout away and Garnock kicked to clear but found fullback Aidan Watson who, ran it back with electrifying pace and deft footwork to regain the initiative. Fast plays brought ‘Shire into the 22 before Garnock stalled then illegally halted the play. Taking a penalty scrum in front of the posts, scrumhalf Lewis Murrie had options either side and delivered a perfect pass to Rory Bayne who dummied then rounded his opposite man to go in under the posts. Calum Bruce converting to open a 7-0 lead.

Garnock hit back minutes later taking good field position following a high-tackle penalty. The ball was sent one side then back stretching the defence, a quick pick from an unguarded ruck allowed the No. 8 to go clear and cover 15m for a converted try.

Aidan Watson found space again, this time with a clearance kick which was perfect for Thomas Pounder to chase, winning a penalty just outside the 22 as he caught Garnock who held on. Unfortunately the opportunity went as the lineout was lost.

The league leaders showed why they are undefeated 12 from 12 and took their opportunities with 2 quick tries. Another promising ‘Shire attack, started with solid carries by James Mair backed up by Ben Marshall, was turned over. On the counter, a kick though was collected by the Garnock centre who won the race to the line. Some further direct hard running in the next minutes saw them extend the lead, 7-21.

The half was nearly over and Perthshire again did the hard work. Building the pressure over multiple phases the men in Black & White could only get so far before Garnock blunted the momentum. The visitors then turned it over and nearly went on to score again.

Returning for the penalty Garnock missed touch thanks to excellent footballing skills from winger Jonathan Venter (making an impressive 1XV debut) to keep it in with his feet then followed up to regather and dance his way just short of the 22. Garnock infringed at the breakdown and with no hesitation Ross Goodison took it quickly and burst another 15m up field before getting hauled down by the backpedalling Garnock. The ball was spun out though the hands to Aidan Watson who sprinted up and through a gap, held by one hand he offloaded to Rory Bayne who drew in more defenders and crossed the halfway line. Caught, he delivered the ball out the back to John Kelly who burst past the fullback then rocketed the remaining 40m untouched to score between the sticks. What a try! Calum Bruce converted to bring it to 14-21 as the referee blew for halftime.

The second half start stunned Garnock who dropped the kick off. Perthshire now in possession immediately carried with purpose. The ball went out to the other wing then a solid carry by Rhys Darlington in field took in 2 tacklers. In support Ross Goodison picked from the base and went through the gap at the back of the ruck. With 25m to the line, the Garnock fullback could only get a fingertip to him as he dived over. Striking the difficult conversion Calum Bruce levelled it, 21-21.

Garnock fired up and tried to hit back. Some heavy hard runs came into Perthshire but the Black & White wall soaked it up, Calum Chalmers & Simon McGarry chief amongst the tacklers. A Rory Bayne interception relieved the assault then Aidan Watson kicked clear and won a turnover chasing the ball down. The lineout maul won another penalty and this took ‘Shire into the 22. However this was overthrown and the attack ended.

Now Garnock again, patient and determined, worked their way into ‘Shire territory. The momentum swung their way. At the second attempt a lineout maul 5m out crossed the line. Within a few more plays, despite heroic efforts of Dan Rae & Kieran Maclean, they were over again as powerful, not pretty, rugby saw the Ayrshire team cross, 21-35.

With high tackle penalties creeping in ‘Shire were under their own posts for a third time in quick succession as simple forceful runs from Garnock allowed them to hammer the line before bludgeoning over, 21-42.

The substitutes came on: Mat Rae, Will Campbell and Lewis Gray adding energy to ‘Shire as they replaced tired bodies. This helped even things up but some quality offloading from Garnock took them all the way up the pitch to add another converted try, 21-49.

Tom Whamond now came off the bench and made an immediate impact with solid tackles and breakdown work. Perthshire continued to believe and knew one more try would secure a bonus point.

Following an offside penalty ‘Shire took the lineout and played it to the front. Having sucked in the hooker there was a clear 5m blindside which Lewis Murrie spotted and from the base of the ruck covered the 35m to score down the tramlines, shrugging of the desperate tackle of the covering fullback. Despite the wind and tight angle Calum Bruce kept his 100% record with the boot.

In the remaining minutes both teams upped the quality further and played really positive entertaining rugby as they tested their own skills and oppositions’ defence. Lewi Murrie and Ross Goodison making promising breaks. However, it was Garnock who secured their 8th try as their hard running centre broke through, 28-56.

In the final play Perthshire took the ball all the way back to Garnock, the match ending as after a sustained assault ‘Shire were tackled into touch on the try line.

Perthshire can be proud of their performance, Garnock are clear favourites for promotion and have the best defence in the league conceding an average of 11 points per match. To score 28 against them shows that a positive Perthshire can perform at this level. New players like Jonathan Venter & Lewis Gray are adding excitement to the squad while the established players like Dan Rae & (Man-of the-Match) Ross Goodison are playing at their best and bringing on the teammates.

Next week is the return Tour to Pontarddulais followed by a weekend off for the 6 Nations match at Murrayfield, so league action will return on 17th February when both teamswill be on the road. The 1XV travelling to North Berwick and the Eagles away to Strathmore 2XV.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

Positivity Shines Through

Perthshire Eagles 19 – 62 Rosyth Sharks

Depleted but determined Eagles put in a shift.

There was a spirit of determination about the Eagles as they lined up for the minute’s silence alongside the 1XV before heading across to the other pitch to face Rosyth.

A few phases in, the Eagles who’d not played since 9th December, felt the under pressure from a well drilled & hard carrying Rosyth. It was not long until the Fife men had opened the scoring.

Undeterred, the backs controlled by AJ Guthrie and Alan Clark were on fire, moving the ball and the point of attack with great plays and striking hard up to the opposition. The pack equally were fronting up creating platforms for these attacks as the match veered back & forth between the teams. It was Rosyth who gained the next score as they eventually broke down the ‘Shire defence.

Straight back from the restart solid carries by James Whyte and Mark Morgan created the momentum. A quick ball from Jack McIntosh allowed AJ Guthrie to put up a sweet crossfield kick. Rab Pittendreigh was there to collect and in space raced to score in the corner.

The match turned into an arm wrestle which favoured the visitors. With a full bench they could rotate their players and keep up the intensity. It was a tough going for Perthshire but spurred by their leaders on the pitch they stuck at it as half time came.

At second half kick off, James Whyte caught the ball and ran it back over 50m before he was stopped. A few quick phases and the Eagles looked dangerous, but the move fizzled out. Still in a good position, when the opportunity came AJ Guthrie sold a dummy pass, baffling the would be tacklers, and slipped for a try.

It was mostly defence for Perthshire now and Rosyth with fresher legs to call upon hammered up and over the line a few more times. Yet the Eagles did not give up.

With the clock running out and the game slowing down in the final plays, Perthshire were still determined to end the match well. A few quick phases up the pitch reignited the game and got Perthshire on the front foot. The ball was chipped over the top and bounce of the ball went the way of Alan Clark who finished the move with a heroic superhero dive over the try line. Time was called, no more rugby to be played.

This team has potential but inconsistency is the main drawback. There are flashes of brilliance, but some roughness too. If a regular team can train and play then the Eagles will start to turn around the results. Well done to Jake Cargill for his Perthshire debut and thanks to Mika Gratzke, Keith Millar and Struan Cattanach-Rodger for coming to help the Eagles.

Photographs from Rosyth Sharks Facebook page.

Mud, Toil and Cheers

/in /by

Lismore 3 – 7 Perthshire Women 

Perthshire secure hard-fought victory against Lismore in Edinburgh showdown.

In an exciting clash between Perthshire and Lismore, the Perthshire Women’s rugby team secured a hard-fought victory in an away game at the Edinburgh Rugby Ground on Sunday. The match kicked off at 2:00 PM with both teams showcasing their skills in a tough and balanced encounter. The defensive efforts from both sides were commendable, making it a challenging contest for each inch of the field.

Despite numerous attacking opportunities and some strong carries from Perthshire forwards Jess Steele, Claire Rae and Zoe Fummey neither team managed to break through the solid defensive lines.

As the first half progressed, the tension on the field increased and Perthshire ratcheted up their presence in the Lismore 22. In a pivotal moment, Lismore capitalised on a penalty kick, securing three points and taking the lead. The half-time score stood at 3-0, with Lismore holding a narrow advantage.

The second half continued with relentless determination from both Perthshire and Lismore. The battle in the scrums and lineouts intensified, as the pitch conditions deteriorated. Superb defensive tackling from Perthshire’s number 2, Zoe Fummey, earned her the forward of the match accolade and as the clock ticked down and the pressure mounted, Perthshire found themselves in a challenging position.

However, the team demonstrated resilience and tenacity, refusing to concede defeat. In the dying moments of the game, Perthshire executed a brilliant play off their scrum on the Lismore 10m line that culminated in a spectacular try. A pick and go from the number 8 position started a real team try with an excellent pass from Cheryl Ramsay to captain Alex Ward, who went over for the only try of the game.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Perthshire scored to win the match in the last play of the match. The subsequent conversion was successful, adding the crucial extra two points. The final whistle blew with Perthshire securing a dramatic 7-3 victory over Lismore.

Perthshire FOTM: Zoe Fummey
Perthshire BOTM: Chloe Bennett

George Clunie 1939-2024

/in /by

Club Statement to Members & Supporters

It is with sadness, that we announce the unexpected passing of George Clunie on January 10, 2024.

George was a huge supporter of rugby and especially of the 1st XV team where he rightly proclaimed himself “biggest supporter.” He rarely missed a match, either home or away, often being the sole supporter traveling with the team on the bus. He would often watch the 2nd XV team and hoped to see the players here flourish as the Men’s squad moved forward. He also held the self-proclaimed title of the oldest Match Fixture and Referee Secretary.

Ever keen and brutally honest, his “words of wisdom” were worth listening to. He was optimistic and in praise of the 1st XV team following recent performances against Ross High & Whitecraigs; even complementing on the their tackling (which was the first time in years!).
Perthshire Rugby extends heartfelt condolences to Jenny, the family, and those close to George during this difficult time.

For now, remember George for who he was: a resolute & committed friend, and unwavering supporter of Perthshire Rugby.

Here’s to George – another whisky in his honour.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday 31st January 11.30am, Perth Crematorium.
Buffet to follow at Huntingtower Hotel afterwards.
To help the family with the numbers for the buffet, can PRFC members please let a committee member or Ewan MacKessack-Leitch know.

Bonus Point the Reward in Last Game of 2023

/in /by

Whitecraigs 40 – 27 Perthshire

Wind and penalties hamper ‘Shire on the road.

Although Whitecraigs sat third in the table before Saturdays match, Perthshire travelled down with confidence after a convincing win against Ross High and were looking to avenge a tight defeat against Whitecraigs earlier in the season. Despite leaving Perthshire in relative calm, they were met in Newton Mearns by a wind which was howling at an angle across the pitch and a light smirr of wind driven rain which would undoubtedly play its part in how the game was played.

Whitecraigs kicked to Perthshire and had quickly stripped possession to set up a good attacking opportunity within the first couple of minutes of the game. A kick through saw Rory Bayne scampering to gain possession a couple of metres from his own line, however Black and White jerseys managed to retain the ball and win a reprieve when Whitecraigs were penalised at the following ruck which allowed a clearance kick to touch. Although the game ebbed & flowed in the early exchanges, Perthshire were looking good with ball in hand. Powerful carries by James Mair and Calum Chalmers were providing excellent go forward and despite the challenging conditions the backs were looking to attack wide with John Kelly twice being snared by cover defence to prevent a clean break.

Perthshire were playing with advantage however and from the resulting penalty the ball was kicked into the left corner. The forwards then beautifully executed a lineout move straight from the training ground. As the ball was brought down it was fed to a looping Ross Goodison who interested the defence before firing a perfect pass to James Mair who still had work to do but powered through soft shoulders to make it over the line. Calum Bruce’s conversion was almost taken by the wind but glanced the right hand upright on its way through.
Whitecraigs 0 – 7 Perthshire

It was becoming apparent that the referee was prone to favouring the attacking side and with Whitecraigs making some powerful carries Perthshire’s penalty count began to rise. After a series of penalties lead to a Perthshire team warning, Whitecraigs opted to take a scrum on the Perthshire 5m line. Although the initial surge was repelled, a couple of phases later Whitecraigs worked the ball round the corner and were able to power over and score their first try of the afternoon. The successful conversion tying up the scores.
Whitecraigs 7 – 7 Perthshire

The resulting restart was allowed to bounce into touch by the home side and they were almost made to pay for this error after the lineout was stolen and Ross Goodison made a barnstorming run up the touchline to within a couple of metres of the line. Unfortunately, the ball was lost forward in the tackle and Whitecraigs broke out from the scrum attacking wide and making good yards. Again, Perthshire were on the wrong side of the referee and a series of penalties put them under pressure within their own half and on a second team warning from the referee. Almost inevitably a yellow card followed and Calum Bruce was the man sent to the sin bin following a seemingly harsh high tackle penalty. Whitecraigs didn’t take long to make the man advantage count, powering over in the left corner following a lineout. The tricky conversion into the wind was unsuccessful.
Whitecraigs 12 – 7 Perthshire

Perthshire defended the next 5 minutes bravely and some excellent rugby then took them deep into the Whitecraigs 22. Time and again they tried but failed to get over the line, until eventually they kicked a penalty to touch and lost the resultant lineout. Whitecraigs however could not clear their lines and James Mair was able to latch onto the ball on the floor and win a penalty. Having returned to the field, Calum Bruce split the uprights and reduced the deficit to 2 points.
Whitecraigs 12 – 10 Perthshire

After a spell of back and forth, Whitecraigs were next to put together a prolonged period of possession, moving the ball from side to side with powerful carries through the middle they eventually broke down a dogged Perthshire defence to score their third try of the day shortly before halftime. It could have been worse for Perthshire as there was still time before the half for another attack by the home side, however despite knocking on the door for multiple phases Perthshire’s defence held firm and eventually a dropped ball brought about the reprieve of the half time whistle.
Half Time: Whitecraigs 19 – 10 Perthshire

Although the first 10 minutes of the second half were relatively even, Whitecraigs then struck to extend their advantage. It was set up after a free-flowing break down the right wing. Although the initial break was stopped short of the line, a few phases later an offload out of a tackle in the middle of the field allowed a converted try to be scored under the posts.
Whitecraigs 26 – 10 Perthshire

Whitecraigs now had their tails up but despite a period of territorial dominance, Perthshire defended gamely and then from nowhere struck back with a try of their own. As Whitecraigs moved the ball to the left, defensive pressure forced the error and Rory Bayne was fastest to react and hack the ball forward. Despite some awkward bounces his footballing skills allowed him to twice kick the ball forward at full pace and with the ball eventually evading Rory and the cover defence, Rabson Chipakupaku was on hand to scoop up and sprint the final 30 meters to score the try. Calum Bruce was on target with the conversion.
Whitecraigs 26 – 17 Perthshire

Perthshire were hoping to build on this try, however a dropped ball in their own 22 provided Whitecraigs dominant scrum an excellent attacking platform. The backs put it to good use, pulling the ball wide and breaking through down the right side. The conversion took the score to;
Whitecraigs 33 – 17 Perthshire

Undeterred Perthshire continued to try and play free flowing rugby. Some excellent attacking play brought them deep into the Whitecraigs half but again they struggled to capitalise and get the ball over from short range. On this occasion after a number of phases and penalty advantage, a miscommunication in the lineout allowed Whitecraig’s the chance to clear.

Thankfully it proved to be only a temporary reprieve for the home side as Perthshire spun the ball wide from 30m out and Aedan Milne sliced through the defensive line, drew the last defender and passed to John Kelly who had the pace to score in the corner. Calum Bruce was unsuccessful with the touchline conversion into the wind.
Whitecraigs 33 – 22 Perthshire

With the clock ticking down Perthshire were now throwing the ball about in an effort to get a bonus point try and reduce the deficit. Unfortunately, this backfired after a dropped ball on their own 22 provided Whitecraigs the scrum platform to once again cross the Perthshire line. This time it was the Whitecraigs inside centre who stepped inside the sliding defence to score underneath the posts.
Whitecraigs 40 – 22 Perthshire

Desperate to get something from the game, Perthshire turned Whitecraigs over in their own half and began playing expansive rugby in the search for the 4th try. At one stage Perthshire thought they had scored when Aedan Milne chased a kick through however, he was just beaten to the ball and the goal line drop out allowed Whitecraigs to clear.

Despite a monopoly on territory and possession for the last 5 minutes of the game, and numerous penalties and attacking platforms, it took until the 79th minute before Lewis Murrie slipped over in the left corner to secure the bonus point which Perthshire’s efforts deserved. Calum Bruce’s touchline conversion never stood a chance into the gale and the game ended.
Full Time: Whitecraigs 40 – 27 Perthshire

Perthshire’s next match will be at home on January 13th when we will host a double header on the North Inch. The Eagles will play Bannockburn while the 1XV face local rivals Strathmore in what is sure to be an entertaining encounter. Both games kick off at 2pm.

As there are no further games in 2023 it just leaves us to wish all of our members and supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Wind, Rain and Tries

/in /by

Perthshire 51 – 22 Ross High

Despite the dark & wet, ‘Shire shine with 8 try victory.

The frost had thawed but the weather was wet. Not appealing conditions for the players nor the few hardy souls who came to watch. However, these spectators were rewarded with the best performance of the season from Perthshire.

In did not start too well for the Eagles, running back the kick-off Kieran Ramsay, on his return from injury, made good inroads but the tackle that brought him down also broke his nose and he was off within a minute. Cameron Craig entering the match much earlier than anticipated.

This did not deter ‘Shire who looked eager and dangerous with ball in hand. After a couple of phases Rory Bayne found the gap to go through. Chipping the ball on, it was a foot race which the covering fullback just won to save a try. Ross High cleared but it this was only a temporary reprieve.

Big hits in defence, led by Dan Rae forced a turnover. At the scrum ‘Shire exploited holes in the defence to push forward. The visitors slowed it down illegally, penalised by the referee, Lewis Murrie took it quickly and made a 40m dash before he was caught and offloaded to Dan Rae who carried & shipped it to Angus Walker. He was just denied, but recycling the ball a short pick & pass gave Ben Marshall the momentum to stretch over for an unconverted try.

Ross High now took the ball on but to no avail through the ‘Shire defence. A turnover by James Mair ending their attack. However they soon returned, ratcheting up the pressure and some hard direct carries by the men from Tranent worked into the ‘Shire 22. They were rewarded with a penalty in front of the posts which they converted, 5-3.

At the restart Cameron Craig took a nasty twist to end his match hobbling off with a knee injury so Dan Rae moved to the forwards with AJ Guthrie coming in to the centre. The match restarted with a scrum, seizing a massive blindside, Lewis Murrie took the ball and sprinted past the halfway line to before offloading to Thomas Pounder who went deep into the 22 before being brought down. The support was there and few carries worked the ball infield before getting sent out to Ross Goodison who used his footwork to better the defender, then with a burst of pace crossed the try line. Calum Bruce adding the extras from in front of the posts.

The momentum swung back to Ross High who after a series of short carries worked up the pitch to the try line before ‘Shire pinched the ball. The referee judged this illegal and awarded Ross High a penalty; they tapped and went one way then back towards the touchline, the last man crossing the whitewash in the corner for an unconverted try, 12-8.

With such poor conditions and a heavier pack Ross High tried to use the high ball to put ‘Shire under pressure. They had not counted on fullback Rory Bayne who repeatedly took possession in acres of space and then picked his line to run it back with interest throughout the match.

Perthshire’s third try came from this set-up, as Rory Bayne caught then ran back the ball before offloading to John Kelly, who tried to grubber through. Ross High secured the ball only to kick it back into Rory Bayne’s arms again, and this time he did all the work to run round and through 5 defenders on his way to the line. It was a tough angle from out wide, but Calum Bruce struck it well to convert, 19-8.

Ross High missed a shot at goal after a high tackle and tempers began to fray in the forwards. This added a bit of mettle to ‘Shire who channelled the aggression as exemplified by a Lewis Murrie tackle on his opposite scrum half at the back of a scrum, the ‘Shire forwards surging over to win the penalty.

Now in the opposition half ‘Shire were trying too hard in the conditions and lost the ball, Ross High kicked it away, but Rory Bayne was waiting and ran it right back again. Having sucked the defence in there was a space in the midfield and at first receiver Ben Marshall tipped on to Club Captain Rhys Darlington who suddenly found clear grass in front of him. The prop ran, and kept running right into the 22, before finally getting caught. A cross field kick attempt missed but returning for the penalty the pack took charge, within 2 phases of taking it short, James Mair scored in the corner.

The conversion was missed but almost immediately from the restart Angus Walker jackaled to win a penalty and Calum Bruce was on target. The referee called half-time with ‘Shire ahead 27-8.

The second half started with a bang. Combining in defence Tom Colvin followed by Simon McGarry forced a knock-on and ‘Shire scooped up the ball. From the middle a wide pass went out to Rory Bayne who seared into the 22, drawing all the defenders to him before releasing John Kelly who injected more pace to blitz down the touchline before running in between the sticks. Calum Bruce converted, 34-8.

Minutes later Rory Bayne again broke free and was stopped 5m out. The ball went to the right then was whipped out to the left, the passing not quite crisp enough stalling the pace so Simon McGarry was just denied in the corner and ‘Shire were then penalised at the ruck. Ross High missed touch and rued it as Tom Colvin was on the end of a flowing move with multiple offloads to score a try under the posts, 41-8.

The game turned on its head for the next 20 minutes. Gone was the attack and flair that started the half. It was turgid, brutal forward plays or direct runs and all Ross High. Try as they might the Eagles could not get out of their own half. The penalty count crept up but the resolve did not, demonstrated by solid tackles from Ben Marshall and Laurence Knight, then Simon McGarry stripping the ball to save a try over the line.

The visitors came back again, even with the fresh legs of Kieran Maclean and Aedan Milne on for Thomas Pounder and Angus Walker, the siege was not lifted. Eventually Ross High bludgeoned their way over after some hard runs getting the better of a softened Back & White line, 41-15.

More needless penalties, compounded the pressure, Perthshire fortunate the referee’s patience was saintly as it must have been close to a yellow card such was the penalty count.

Ross High looked good to score having worked an overlap but a forward pass saved ‘Shire. From the scrum deep in the 22, AJ Guthrie dummied and found a gap, he was stopped but, quickly recycled, the ball went out wide to Rory Bayne who jinked his way in behind Ross High, before offloading to Aedan Milne. With 60m to go and not much space the winger showed all his pace, poise & power to outfox the defenders and cover the whole distance to score in the corner, a stunning try!

Minutes later a scrum on the left touchline at halfway was set, the ball came cleanly out to the back line who running different lines confounded Ross High who could not live with Aedan Milne as he crossed again, though this time not from as far out. Calum Bruce just missed the conversion, 51-15.

The game ended 2 minutes later after Ross High scored their third try following a quick tap taking advantage of an disorganised and tired ‘Shire defence.

Plenty of positives for ‘Shire to build on, at times things just worked and the rugby looked good. A solid shift from the forwards allowed the space and time for the backline, superbly marshalled by halfbacks Lewis Murrie & Calum Bruce, to show their quality. Head Coach Smudge will have some selection conundrums with all players putting in a shift. The final game of 2023, will see Perthshire travel to Newton Mearns to face Whitecraigs and aim put right the 5 point loss when the sides met at the North Inch earlier on this season.

Meanwhile the Eagles lost 0-52 to the league leaders Crieff. A tough game where the players never really felt they got going. However, on the positive side there were Perthshire debuts for David Wakefield, Kieran Cruden and Jim Leishman; and brothers Jonny and Andrew Venter made their first senior rugby starts. Special mention must also go to Mark Morgan, who put in a Man-of-the-Match performance in his first game since collecting his bus pass! The Eagles will keep training over winter to be prepared for the next fixture on 13th January.

Photographs taken by Peter Wilkinson.

Ground Down but not Out

/in /by

Strathmore 31 – 15 Perthshire

Perthshire defend & defend but can’t resist the pressure.

Perthshire entered Inchmacoble Park knowing they would face not only the 15 men of Strathmore on the pitch but their vocal supporters from Forfarshire assembled to watch the local derby.

It did not start well, Perthshire with the kick off, going short then conceding a penalty at the following scrum. However, after some defending ‘Shire managed to escape and a kick through put them onto the front foot and into Strathmore’s half.

Lineout struggles killed off the momentum and Strathmore kicked ‘Shire back down. Solid defence won a turnover and a quick tap by Lewis Murrie created an opportunity. A few phases later the attack died and returning for a high tackle penalty, Calum Bruce opted to take the shot at goal. It was a tough angle from 35m but he opened the scoring, 0-3.

Quietened temporarily, the home crowd were soon back in full voice as Strathmore crossed the whitewash a couple of minutes later following a sustained period of pressure. It did not take long for their second to arrive off the back of a lineout, 14-3.

The pendulum swung back to Perthshire who mounted a series of assaults on Strathmore’s 22. Eventually they were rewarded when Ross Goodison, further consolidating his transition to a hooker, scored off the back of a 5m lineout maul. Calum Bruce’s conversion just drifting right, 14-8.

The remainder of the first half saw ‘Shire defending hard, but the direct running from Strathmore was proving hard to overcome. Losing Adrian Venter to the sin bin put the Eagles under more pressure but they hung on, keeping a determined Strathmore out until the half time whistle.

The second half resumed where it left off, desperate but resolute defence from 14-man Perthshire holding out and winning turnovers to prevent Strathmore from making use of their numerical advantage.

Though restored to 15, the defence continued and it was the set piece where Perthshire were in the greatest trouble, conceding possession and/or position allowing the hosts to attack again. They scored 2 mirror images tries from the back of 5m lineouts on the left then right side of the pitch to extend their lead 26-8.

For what seemed like ages Perthshire were in their own half, then eventually the tide turned and slowly the Black & White shirts advanced up the pitch and into the opposition half then 22. Numerous phases and attacks came to nothing, then a turnover was spun out by Strathmore to their winger who raced up to halfway. A series of offloads and quick rucks took them to the 5m line on the right corner, then worked back inside and the space opened up for a hard carry to burst over the line, 31-8.

Time was nearly up but Perthshire were not finished. From the restart Tom Colvin was highest and won the ball. Worked to the middle of the pitch the play was switched back and James Whyte found a hole to get in behind. Caught, he offloaded to Calum Chalmers who drew in the last defender before releasing winger Thomas Pounder to dive over in the corner. Calum Bruce made the conversion from the tightest of angles and the referee blew for fulltime, 31-15.

Definitely a better performance from the Eagles but plenty to work on. It’s an away derby again this Saturday as Perthshire travel down the M90 to Dunfermline and seek to make amends for a frustrating loss at the Inch to the Fifers earlier in the season.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

Bombed in the South

/in /by

Stewartry 52 – 8 Perthshire

Atrocious conditions and disorganisation hurt ‘Shire.

Perthshire made their longest trip of the season down to deepest Kirkcudbrightshire to face Stewartry. In stark contrast to the warm September afternoon when they met on the North Inch, the conditions were very wet, windy and not amenable to free flowing rugby.

The Eagles started brightly gaining a penalty of the first play, but failed to capitalise as the wet slippery ball was lost, the opportunity from Angus Walker’s strong carry & offload squandered.

Defending ‘Shire were guilty of going high and allowed Stewartry to kick their penalty downfield. Within a few phases the outside centre made a break and went untouched as he covered the distance to score a converted try.

Perthshire struck back immediately through the boot of Calum Bruce, kicking over a penalty won by Angus Walker at the breakdown, 7-3.

However, ‘Shire did not settle and in the poor conditions dropped the ball allowing Stewartry right back into their half. Soon the home team used a scrum under the posts to set the attack, and within a few carries were over for their second try, 14-3.

The men in Black & White became disjointed, nothing was working for them in attack and the defence softened. Only a solid effort from Laurence Knight stopped a certain try as he defended a 3-on-1.

It alone was not enough, mistakes compounded by penalties allowed the Castle Douglas team 2 more tries, one covering 50m in a single move, 28-3.

‘Shire were now up against it and the referee’s patience with the high tackles was wearing thin as he issued a warning to the players. Sensing the disorganised defence, Stewartry were over again in the corner, unconverted 33-3. Which is how it remained until halftime.

It was more of the same as the match resumed, Stewartry only needed a few minutes to work the blindside effectively, get in behind and run in under posts to extend their lead, 40-3.

The momentum swung as Perthshire gained a sustained period of possession, but were unable to penetrate, Stewartry equal to the task in defence.

The breakthrough came as Rabson Chipakupaku caught a clearance kick on his wing but seeing the space ran cross field to the other side, rounded most of the defenders sucking in the last man before releasing fellow winger Thomas Pounder, who finished the move in the corner. The wind just keeping out Calum Bruce’s conversion attempt, 40-8.

Now it was the host’s turn to exert pressure. It was not pretty but ‘Shire held on, Dan Rae making big hits to raise his team and James Mair with a crucial turnover on the try line to break the siege.

Minutes later a promising break from AJ Guthrie came to nothing as the support was too slow and a following ruck easily turned over.

Stewartry assaulted the ‘Shire line again, this time Cameron Craig the key man to relieve the pressure. The match then got stuck in no-man’s land. Tiredness and the conditions preventing either team from building a platform.

Eventually, Stewartry wrestled possession in their favour and playing tight, a series of short picks from the ruck base worked them up the pitch, then a tap penalty earned them a score under the posts. There was time for one more score by the home team, again short power plays the main weapon of choice and it ended, 52-8.

This was a real disappointment for Perthshire, while there were some individual bright spots, as a team the performance was lacking in many quarters. Defence was a key weakness with high tackles and soft shoulders gifting Stewartry possession, position and ultimately the points to run away with it.

The injury list grew with knocks to Ross Goodison, Laurence Knight and John Kelly likely to rule them out for a few matches. The next week of training will be crucial ahead of the rescheduled derby match away to Strathmore at Inchmacoble Park.

The Eagles will also travel to Strathmore next weekend making it a double header. They will be looking to build on recent form and see if they can get a deserved win on the road. It was close but not to be in Bo’ness, where a try from Man-of-the-Match Ross Alexander and 30m penalty by James Whyte were not enough as injuries took their toll. The numerical advantage Bo’ness had to bring players off the bench gave them the edge as they won 15-8 in a match shortened by the casualty list.

1XV photos taken by Catriona Imrie.