Flying Start for Perthshire Women

Perthshire Women 34 – 17 Lismore

Eagles take off and make a statement in first league fixture.

It is over 20 years since Perthshire Women contested a league fixture on the Inch, but the club had a positive start to their Caledonia/Midlands East campaign with a 34-17 victory over Lismore on a warm, sunny afternoon in front of an appreciative crowd.

Perthshire had the majority of possession in the first 20 minutes, resulting in some controlled, multiphase play. Lydia McGinley took an excellent catch from a kick and after some strong running, offloaded to Chloe Bennett for the first try, which was converted by Sarah McCormack.

Chloe’s second try finished off more controlled possession with some determined running. The Perthshire pack had scrummaged well and a pick up from number 8, Heather McKenzie was finished off again by Chloe Bennett on a looping run for her third try.

In the run up to half time, Perthshire secured their try bonus point with a lovely team try, including two line breaks from Sarah McCormack, who passed inside to Paula Watson for a beautifully worked try. Half time score: 22-0.

Lismore started the second half strongly and with some direct running and good support play scored two tries. Perthshire did not panic, however, and when Heather McKenzie got the ball in space on the Lismore 22, some great footwork and strong running took her through the defence for Perthshire’s fifth try, successfully converted by Sarah McCormack.

A few minutes later, Chloe Bennett secured a fantastic turnover around halfway, and passed to Heather for her second try of the day. A consolation try for Lismore in the closing minutes was a fair reward for their second half performance.

Player of the match for Perthshire was second row Jess Steel for her excellent tackling, line out work and strong running throughout the game. All the players thoroughly enjoyed the match and we wish Lismore every success for the rest of the season.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.