Fast Start to Perthshire Preseason
Fitness and mindset to the fore as Eagles prepare for crunch season ahead.
The 3 weeks of preseason training are already completed and the 4th week begins with more numbers and enthusiasm from across the Senior squad. The 1XV will again compete in TENNENT’S NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 3, but as current plans stand due to restructuring next season 6 or 7 teams will be relegated. There is no room for a slow start. Likewise, the 2XV must also start strongly as they compete in a reformatted TENNENT’S CALEDONIA MIDLANDS REGION LEAGUE DIVISION 3 and aim to progress out of their mini-conference in to the top end of the league.
Head Coach Alan Clark knows the value of a strong preseason saying, “It’s hugely important for us to get out of the blocks fast this season. With that in mind we’ve spent time as a group planning our overall approach. Conditioning is obviously a key part of that and the guys have worked incredibly hard since the end of last season in that regard. However, the biggest plus for us as a coaching team is the shift in mindset from the players. There’s a real belief in what they can achieve which is incredibly exciting to see.”
Enjoying the first 3 weeks of preseason and taking encouragement from the progress so far, 1XV captain Mat Rae believes the 2022-23 season could see something special, “This year we’ve definitely hit the ground running with preseason. The lads have all kept fit during the off season and it means we have progressed our skills and techniques much faster than previous years. Our coaches and new Director of Rugby are doing an amazing job with training and the lads are on board doing an incredible job pushing themselves to do better every session. We have huge ambitions for this year and if we keep improving like we are, we will be on to something special.”
Soon the effects of the training will be tested on the pitch. The squad travel to Blackpool to take on Fylde RFC in a highly anticipated Tour match and team building weekend 5-8th August, before the Lochside 10s tournament hosted by Strathmore RFC and then friendlies against Dalkeith RFC and Kirkcaldy RFC.
Club Captain Ewan MacKessack-Leitch was pleased to see so many teammates back at training ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, “The off-season was a welcome break, but nothing quite compares to getting back in with your team and working hard for shared purpose. We all know how important this season could be and I’m encouraged with the buy in from all players: young & old, new & returning. The coaching team have set up a positive culture and we want to build on the strong end to last season and make an impact in both leagues from match one.
The squad has recruited new players and there are many returning too. Training is at the North Inch every Tuesday & Thursday night, 6:30pm-8pm. Players of any ability are welcome to join the squad, get in contact by e-mailing Head of Senior Section, Chris Wallace senior@perthshire-rfc.co.uk, phoning/messaging Head Coach Alan Clark on 07580676712 or through the online contact form.
