End-to-End with Eleven Tries

Perthshire 33 – 34 Murrayfield Wanderers

Perthshire’s second half slump allows Wanderers to sneak it.

A large crowd descended on the North Inch for this hotly anticipated fixture, with only a point between them in the table it was set to be a close match – and it proved to be. The support was also swelled by the friends & family of Adam Pattinson who had come down to watch, as this fixture would contest the Adam Pattinson Memorial Cup for only the second time in Perth.

The conditions were near perfect for November, soft underfoot but dry and remarkably still. The initial 10 minutes were an even affair both teams getting opportunities but defences holding.

Perthshire then broke through into the Murrayfield 22, stopped illegally they maintained the pace with a tap penalty. After multiple phases the ball was grounded across the line but the referee disallowed it judging there a knock-on at the ruck. Murrayfield then got an easy out with a penalty from the scrum and then the subsequent lineout.

Now on the back foot, Perthshire’s defence creaked as Murrayfield sliced through, only a last gasp tackle and turnover from Mat Rae prevented a score. Perthshire cleared but had to absorb more pressure as Murrayfield struck right back.

Regaining the ball some patience saw the Eagles slowly work into the Murrayfield half. The sustained pressure overcame resolute defence and Rory Bayne grabbed a team try after multiple phases, the conversion hitting the post, 5-0.

The Edinburgh outfit hit back immediately. In a theme for the match a hole would appear in the ‘Shire defensive line and allow a runner through. The scramble would catch up, but this time Jonny Armitt was penalised for pulling the tackled player into touch. From the 5m lineout a few quick short phases of play and Wanderers bundled over to level.

A soft tackle later and they very nearly grabbed a second, only denied by the referee who adjudged a double movement in the grounding of the ball. Following this reprieve ‘Shire woke up and came on to the front foot; charging runs by James Mair and Rhys Darlington building the momentum. A quick tap at caught Murrayfield on the hop, Jack McIntosh was getting quality ball, Angus Walker & Matt Jenns key in delivering ruck speed, and Aidan Watson could distribute as he saw fit. Going wide created the space in the middle which Aidan Watson exploited to race under the posts.

A temporary replacement, saw Aedan Milne come on for Jack McIntosh and what an impact this made. Simon McGarry burst through and ‘Shire gleefully flooded the space. The ball worked out to Aedan Milne who was stopped from scoring by a high tackle. The referee deemed it a yellow card offence and awarded the penalty try, 19-5. Jack McIntosh returned and Aedan went back to the bench.

Despite down to 14 men the momentum shifted to Murrayfield. ‘Shire were holding them back but a lapse in concentration gifted a huge blindside for Murrayfield to exploit. Out to the wing then back inside for a converted try.

With minutes left to half time, the defence well led by Dan Rae effected a turnover. The ball went out to Simon McGarry who scorched the earth as he sprinted down the wing, beating 2 defenders for pace. Snared by the fullback, and despite a heavy contact, he managed an offload to Mat Rae, the Captain finishing the try out wide to secure the bonus point. Jonny Armitt struck the conversion sweetly to make it 26-12 as the half time whistle blew.The second half kicked off into a flurry of activity. Wanderers went close, a maul pushed all the way to the line only for Perthshire to smuggle the ball out and escape. Restored to 15 the visitors needed all their men to stop a sustained Perthshire attack as the Eagles marched from their own 22 up to their opponents. ‘Shire looked good to score but were denied as the move was called back for obstruction.

Unrewarded it was the Home team’s turn to defend. Soaking up the pressure it was a stalemate around halfway until Aidan Watson picked his moment darted froward for the intercept, plucked the ball out of the air and weaved his way under the posts. Jonny Armitt converting to establish a healthy lead, 33-12.

It then started to unravel for Perthshire. Jack McIntosh was injured in a massive collision forcing him off the field and discipline left ‘Shire. Penalty after penalty allowed Murrayfield to build momentum and score twice. Perthshire were lucky not to lose a man to the sin bin.

Despite efforts from Matt Stevens and Gavin Hegarty, Perthshire were stuck in their own half defending a 33-22 lead. Panic set it and poor decisions, forced passes and frustrating penalties put Murrayfield in complete control. On the 65 minute mark after numerous phases Wanderers crossed the whitewash to put them in sight, 33-27.

Perthshire woke up. Solid tackles and carries from Dan Rae, Matt Stevens, James Mair and Angus Walker put ‘Shire back on top. When given space Rory Bayne and John Kelly could eat up the yards, ably supported by Mat Rae and Gavin Hegarty. The lineouts were solid all day and provide a platform but the accuracy was not there when needed. Aedan Milne breezed down the touchline creating a 2-on-1, but could not get the ball away to release Mat Rae screaming for it in support.

Instead on a counter play, Murrayfield sent to quickly to the right wing then ran in into space and under posts, converting the try to take a 1 point lead, 33-34 with only 6 minutes left on the clock.

There was time for Perthshire to save the game and forward they pushed. Reclaiming the ball and getting close but not quite into the 22. When it looked to be over one final attack and the referee awarded a penalty. It was kickable but a difficult angle.

With 30s left this was the final play. The wind seemed to pick up as Jonny Armitt went to strike the ball. It drifted wide and the final whistle blew. Defeated and deflated, ‘Shire know they let it get away from them. A 21 point lead surrendered in under 30 minutes and Murrayfield Wanderers retained the Adam Pattinson Memorial Cup by the finest of margins.

Next week is the long away trip to Kirkwall to face Orkney. Planes, trains, ferries and buses required to get the squad there, for the first time since 2018.

 

A Game of Four Halves

Perthshire 2XV 12 – 34 Carnoustie

Strong start but finishing touches elude Perthshire.

With no league fixture the 2s had a run out against a Carnoustie XV featuring some of their fringe and less experienced players. As a development match it was split into 4 quarters of 20 minutes. Perthshire had their brightest parts in the first & last periods.

Stevie Wilkie taking a slick ball from fly half Calum Bruce covered the ground required to score the first try of the match. The set piece was strong throughout the match, Mike Ryan at hooker taking 4 against the head as well as retaining all his own ball; in the lineout no matter who threw in, Tom Colvin got his hands on the ball and won it back for ‘Shire. As the match progressed Carnoustie’s more established players took control and orchestrated 3 tries before Rabson Chipakupaku could pull one back for ‘Shire. This was following a 40m dash to the line as the space opened up for his dancing feet.

At 12-22 there was a chance for the Home team to push on, Mikey Evans and Ross Goodison to the fore with strong carries and providing go froward ball. Instead ‘Shire were frustrated by their own mistakes despite these good attacking positions. Carnoustie made no mistakes with their chances to score twice more for a 12-34 win by the full time whistle.

The league returns next week with an away trip to Aberfeldy.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.