Welcome to today’s game,
Perthshire host Carrick RFC today to the North Inch today on this very day 150 years ago that Perthshire Rugby Club played their first game against the Scots Greys.

Prior to this in 1836 on Hansel Monday, a famous football game was played when the Lord Provost challenged Lord Stormont of Scone Palace and “fifty men a side took part.” The ball was kicked, mauled, carried and several were lost, burst or swept away on the River Tay. The game ended “in riots and disorders”. So it fell to the “Rugby Boys and University Men”, who had played the game and knew the rules of the “New Game,” to educate the Perth Academy Boys and the Royal Scots Greys, then stationed in Perth, who were “apt pupils,” in the game of Rugby Football. And so, on January 10th 1869, in front of 8000 spectators, the “New Game” was played between Perthshire Rugby Club and the Scots Greys and the rest, as they say, is pure Eagle history.

But what would those players think of the club 150 years later? I think they would be very proud to see how far the club has come in this time. The club has a thriving membership, loyal and generous sponsors, one of the most active mini and midi sections in the country. A fantastic volunteer base capable of hosting major events like the Perth Beer festival and Glasgow Warriors matches. We have had numerous players who have represented Scotland. There have been many promotions, cup wins and a few relegations as well but the club has always bounced back. But more than anything it’s the friendships that have been made along the way that are most precious. Long live Perthshire Rugby. C’mon the Shire’!

We warmly welcome home and opposition supporters to our Club House bar (sign posted in the Sports Centre) for a post-match drink.

Many thanks to today’s Match Sponsors, RW Bell Electrical & Dental Technique. We hope your guests enjoy their afternoon with us. And finally a reminder that our Burns’ Night is in Loft on 26th January. Arrival in That Bar from 6pm with us piped up to the Loft at 7pm. A night not be missed.
Eamon O’Brien | Perthshire Rugby Head of Midi Section