Perthshire Start 2023 with a Bang
Greenock Wanderers 15 – 37 Perthshire
Eagles take their chances to secure win on the road.
Bright sunshine greeted Perthshire’s arrival in Greenock where both teams were looking forward to some rugby following the pre-Christmas postponements.
Perthshire were able to name a strong side and they started well, receiving kick-off and setting up a ruck where Ewen MacDonald picked through the middle and offloaded to Simon McGarry, who sprinted 60m and deep into the Greenock half. Desperate Greenock defence conceded a penalty, however Perthshire opted not to take the points on offer and kicked to the corner looking to build pressure. Despite winning the lineout, an error a few phases later allowed Greenock to clear and the chance was gone.
Greenock were soon building pressure of their own and Perthshire gave away penalty after penalty. Pinned in their own 22, the referee’s patience eventually gave out and Angus Walker was sent to the sin bin for holding-on. Greenock opted to take the points from out in front and their stand off made no mistake from the tee.
Greenock 3 – 0 Perthshire.
Despite being a man down Perthshire earned themselves a scrum in the Greenock half. The scrum was dominant throughout the first half, and after a good scrum powerful carries from Matt Stevens and Will Campbell provided the platform for James Armstrong to pick and crash over. An act that left this finely tuned athlete cramping and requesting a packet of salt and vinegar crisps to cure his ills! Despite the tricky conversion, Jonny Armitt made no mistake.
Greenock 3 – 7 Perthshire.
Perthshire were soon back in the Greenock half, the forward pack were making great yards and a good kick chase provided the Eagles with an attacking lineout in the Greenock 22. Jack High’s darts were on point and after hard yards were made through the middle, James Armstrong again spotted a gap to crash over with Jonny again adding the extra 2 points.
Greenock 3 – 14 Perthshire.
Perthshire were now back up to 15 players… however they were unable to maintain the equilibrium for long. Greenock attacked and put a kick through into the Perthshire 22. Aidan Watson covered the kick well, but when a local cameraman put his foot on the ball to prevent Aidan taking a quick lineout Aiden took exception and decided to bounce the ball off his very expensive looking camera. A scuffle followed and when the dust settled Aidan has been given a yellow card and 10 minutes on the touchline himself. This time Greenock were able to take advantage of the extra man, passing the ball out to the right where a grubber through allowed the Wanderers centre to collect and score. Jonny Armitt charged down the attempted conversion.
Greenock 8 – 14 Perthshire.
Perthshire reacted well to this score and when Jonny Armitt’s deep kick bounced favourably into touch 5m out for a 50/22 Perthshire made no mistake in converting the opportunity. The lineout was brought to the ground and the maul proved too strong for Greenock to keep out. Will Campbell controlling, then grounding the ball through a forest of legs as the pack crashed over the line. This time the conversion from the touchline proved too tricky with the kick drifting left of the posts.
Greenock 8 – 19 Perthshire.
Perthshire were well on top by this stage and after winning a penalty in the Greenock half a shot at goal was called. Jonny Armitt’s kick looked good off the tee but curled left and struck the upright and bounced back into play. Although the Wanderers originally claimed it, the Perthshire defensive pressure forced an error and Lewis Murrie was able to capitalise dotting the ball down over the try line and wrapping up the try bonus point before half time. The conversion was again missed but an impressive first half showing had Perthshire well in command at the break.
HT Greenock 3 – Perthshire 24.
The more observant spectators may have spotted an ominous black cloud making its way up the Firth of Clyde during the latter stages of the first half. It arrived at the start of the second half bringing torrential rain and a gloom that almost merited the use of floodlights! Unsurprisingly the heavy rain had a massive impact on the match with a battle of attrition now being fought up front and the halfbacks attempting to secure field position with clever kicking.
About midway through the half Perthshire secured some field position and won a penalty under the posts. Aidan Watson was now on kicking duties and made no mistake.
Greenock 8 – 27 Perthshire.
Aidan was soon afforded another opportunity after James Mair won a jackaling penalty in the opposition half, again he was able to convert, stretching Perthshire’s lead further.
Greenock 8 – 30 Perthshire.
The rain eased slightly and Greenock were the first to take advantage. From a scrum 40m out Greenock’s pack got a shove on a provided excellent ball to the backs. They attacked with pace and a switch move allowed their centre to break the line and scamper deep into the Perthshire 22. Although the cover tackle was made the offload could not be stopped and another pass allowed a walk in try underneath the posts which was subsequently converted.
Greenock 15 – 30 Perthshire.
As the game neared its conclusion, it looked as though no team was going to allow any further scoring. However in the final play a loose ball was kicked through by Aidan Watson. Andrew Guthrie (returning to Perthshire to play against his former club) looked like he was going to kick through and score only for his kick to shoot off sideways. Fortunately, Simon McGarry was on hand to win the race and dive on the loose ball for a further try. Aidan Watson converted to seal an impressive win on the road.
FT Greenock 15 – 37 Perthshire.
A fantastic start to the year for Perthshire who will look to replicate this performance on the North Inch next weekend when Allan Glens will be the visitors. Kick-off 2pm and the North Inch, supporters welcome to cheer on the Eagles in their first home match of 2023.
Photos taken by Arran Sheach.
