Rugby Sparks Back but Shire not Firing
Perthshire 3 – 23 Howe of Fife
Perthshire’s first competitive home game for over 18 months was a bit of a disappointment. A large crowd of spectators made their way down to the North Inch but the vast majority of them were Howe supporters who made the journey from Fife by car, train and even bike.
Howe had the advantage of a difficult crosswind slightly in their favour but both teams looked really lively and the Perthshire boys were dominant in the scrum pushing their opponents back several metres at a time. This should have given them a big advantage but wayward passes and dropped balls prevented any meaningful attacks. This, coupled with giving away numerous penalties led to a nervy and scrappy opening to the game. Howe looked the more organised team and they opened the scoring in 15 minutes despite some sterling defence by Perthshire who kept them at bay but the defence eventually folded and Howe were 5 points up.
Shire’s back row were everywhere harrying and hassling the opposition and giving Howe no chance to settle but there was little cohesive play with both sides now being guilty of giving away penalties and the referee was losing patience. Howe were reduced to 14 men following a dangerous tackle but the Perth boys could not take advantage of the extra man and once again a needless penalty was given away and they went into half time trailing 0 – 8 but with all to play for in the second half.
Shire started the second half briskly with Armitt not far away with a difficult penalty attempt but a few minutes later he landed a monster kick from the halfway line and Shire pulled 3 points back. Unfortunately, this did not spur on the team and Howe were allowed straight back into the Shire 22 where they were awarded an unmissable penalty and 3 easy points. Perthshire’s mistakes were now being punished and they had to rely on a brilliant defensive tackle from Ross Goodison who back tracked 50 metres to catch and flatten Howe’s winger just short of the line. Shire’s back three must have been feeling left out of play as the ball rarely reached them and given the power and speed, they possess it severely curtailed any attacking play. Mistakes and penalties continued to pile up as the game progressed and Howe scored a further 2 tries with no reply.
Perthshire have some excellent players and every one of the forwards more than held their ground in this local derby but the team as a whole played as individuals and there was no bite or variety in attack. Scott Alcorn made a memorable impression after coming on as replacement 5 minutes from the end and was unlucky not to score a sensational try following a kick through and sprint then dislocated his shoulder in the final minute. Matt Jenns and Calum Chalmers are going to be sensational acquisitions for Shire and with another tough home fixture against Lasswade coming up on Saturday the team will be looking to eradicate all the errors and show their supporters what they are capable off.
The 2XV were in action away to Montrose, the match report “When it Rains it Pours, Woes in Wet Montrose” can be seen on the 2XV page. Both teams are on the North Inch with fixtures against Lasswade and Strathmore 2XV to be played as the culmination of the Perthshire Rugby Club Day this Saturday (18th September). All supporters welcome to come and cheer on the boys in Black & White.
