Tag Archive for: 1XV

Not so Super Saturday

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Ardrossan Academicals 34 – 21 Perthshire

Disjointed performance inhibits Eagles from taking any points.

It’s never ideal to have a match on a Six Nations weekend, the Super Saturday finale less so. There were numerous players unavailable with Head Coach Alan Clark having to make all sorts of requests to be able to field 19 players. Returns to Black & White for Andrew Whitelaw and Matt Smith (after 3 years absence), helped produce a team sheet that looked capable of securing the crucial win in this relegation zone battle against Ardrossan.

The conditions were near perfect, especially for a ground that is usually very boggy and soft underfoot. The faster pitch should have helped ‘Shire who often struggle against the weight of Ardrossan’s handy forward pack. The Ayrshire men had different ideas and soon notched up the first score, a penalty try after a lineout maul was illegally brought down close to the line.

Perthshire just couldn’t string together any period of possession and went 14-0 down around the 15 minute mark as Ardrossan went through the phases and built pressure before a short pick & go made the try line and was duly converted.

This had the effect of kicking ‘Shire into life, working into the 22 where they camped for a long period, slowly working towards the line. Thwarted several times but returning for penalty advantages, ‘Shire could not break through. Then Captain Mat Rae got outside his man and nearly to the line, unselfishly he offloaded to Matt Jenns to score under the posts. Calum Bruce added the extras.

The Perthshire scrum was dominant, Ardrossan back pedalling and resorting to standing up, yet not getting penalised under the pressure. The lineout was a different matter. Ardrossan imperious in theirs and stealing at least 50% of Perthshire’s throws. This really hampered any momentum and penalties to touch could not guarantee possession allowing Ardrossan many easy escapes.

The rest of the half was mostly fought between the 22s, neither team making much progress. Ferocious tackling and jackaling by back rowers James Mair, Matt Jenns and Calum Chalmers stopping any Ardrossan advances. Ross Goodison using the touchline and producing some excellent tackles to halt any Ardrossan attacks round the sides.

The kicking game of Shire’ against the wind and slope was found wanting allowing Ardrossan time and space to clear or counterattack with interest. Discipline was poor too, with both sides conceding penalties, Ardrossan though claimed 3 points from one after Perthshire were judged offside.

More inaccurate kicking allowed the Ayrshire men to make good use of the 50:22 rule winning a lineout close to the ‘Shire line. It was well defended and turned over, but a mistake gave Ardrossan an attacking scrum. Compounding this error, a mix-up allowed Ardrossan to score straight off first phase as their centre ran through a large gap in the defensive line, 24-7.

With 2 minutes left to half time, Perthshire took the restart and magnificently reclaimed it. With a bit of momentum after 2 phases it went out wide to the back line who tried a grubber through. It ricocheted off an Ardrossan boot allowing the on-rushing defence to go straight through on to the ball. As ‘Shire had rushed up in attack the backfield was empty. The cover tackle couldn’t get there and Ardrossan earned their bonus point try to go up 31-7 at the break.

With the wind and slope in their favour for the second half, Perthshire knew they had the ability to turn it around. The next score being crucial to build momentum. For the first 10 minutes though all ‘Shire could do was defend. Ardrossan sent wave upon wave of forwards and backs to no avail. Again penalised for offside, Perthshire allowed Ardrossan repeated 5m lineouts but managed to repel the ensuing mauls. The siege was lifted with nothing conceded and Perthshire immediately went on the attack.

Ardrossan this time conceding the penalty allowed Perthshire into the 22 and with another penalty they elected to take the scrum. The home team were pushed back to about 8m from the line, James Mair picked up from the base and used his power to crash over for a try converted by Calum Bruce, 31-14.

Fresh legs of Tom Colvin and Stuart Magill came on immediately helping to up the tempo of Perthshire’s plays. Ardrossan managed to pull back a penalty after a brief foray into the Perthshire half but were once again under assault from waves of Black & White. Lewis Murrie with front foot ball was finding spaces around the pitch to send his players; Calum Chalmers, Dan Rae and Matt Smith making inroads.

Time was pressing on but Perthshire weren’t getting the break they needed, despite the efforts of all 15 on the pitch. Lineouts again failed to provide ball in promising positions so Ardrossan could exit. Eventually the third try came. Mat Rae crossed the whitewash after a deceptive backline move caught the out the Ardrossan defence.

Andrew Whitelaw moved into the fly-half position as Simon McGarry came on for Calum Bruce. Having been on the pitch a matter of minutes his opposite winger took a dislike to McGarry who received punches off the ball, showing considerable restraint McGarry refrained from returning the blows. The referee was swift to issue a red card and for the remaining 10 minutes Perthshire would have a one man advantage.

Still it wasn’t easy for Perthshire as their attacks constantly stalled, but one more try would secure both a try and a losing bonus point. Rhys Darlington had a stormer of a game putting everything into his shift, but cramping up Kieran Maclean returned to the field to take his place.

The Eagles pushed on. The clock wore down and ‘Shire were camped in the Ardrossan 22. Yet it never came. Numerous attacks, short penalties and scrums all came to nothing. Ardrossan held out and were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Perthshire will be thoroughly disappointed with the result. Conceding 2 soft tries just before half time and failing to score their fourth cost them this match. There are now only 3 matches left and Perthshire have slipped to second bottom of the league. All 3 fixtures will be at home and all supporters are encouraged to come down to the North Inch and help roar the Eagles to victory in each.

A win next week against Greenock is essential to avoid a relegation nightmare, coaches Alan Clark and Kenny Christie have set out their expectations to the squad if they want to bounce back and finish the season on a high. The 2XV will return to action next week as they host Waid Academy FP also on the North Inch. Both kick-offs are 3pm.

Photos taken by Cameron McGougan.

Defeated but not Deflated

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Lasswade 55 – 19 Perthshire

Perthshire put in improved performance as Lasswade secure promotion.

Player availability was again a challenge for the Seniors this week. Both teams had rescheduled matches but the clash with the 6 Nations and further COVID-19 cases meant the 2XV could not field a team against Waid Academy FP and the 1XV that travelled to league leaders Lasswade was missing many regular players. Before kick-off the message to the team was simple: play your best and do the shirt proud and try to spoil the party for Lasswade who would secure their promotion to National League 2 with a win.

Perthshire received and started positively, however, the ruck speed by Lasswade was very quick catching ‘Shire out who concede some early penalties. Lasswade gladly took the ground given and within 5 minutes had opened their account following a short range surge over the line.

Undeterred Perthshire kicked off and put Lasswade under pressure. The defence was hard and Lasswade had to work to make the yards. Slowly but surely they were creeping up the pitch. Then when passing out wide Aidan Watson took his chance, sped out the line intercepted and raced 60+ metres to dot down under the posts. Converted by Calum Bruce, Perthshire took the lead 5-7.

The restarts this match were not managed well by Perthshire. Lasswade quickly regained possession and another penalty conceded, they kicked to the corner. The lineout maul was set and inevitably marched forward to the line; crossed and a converted try scored.

Lasswade are league leaders for good reason and would again use their set plays to secure their third try minutes later. When Perthshire got on the front foot they would cause the hosts problems, often started by an intelligent kicking game orchestrated by Aidan Watson and Jonny Armitt. Rhys Darlington and Ewen MacDonald would make the hard yards tight to the ruck while James Armstrong and Mat Rae often got round their opposite man and in behind. However, the difference was Perthshire’s ability to build the phases or execute clinically, a number of chances and decent time in the 22 came to nothing.

When organised, Perthshire’s defence held firm. During another period of Lasswade possession the hosts could not break though. Disruption at the ruck by Angus Walker affected Lasswade’s rhythm and Calum Bruce sensing this snatched an interception close to the defending 22 and started progressing up field. Lasswade’s scramble defence closed in but on hand for the offload and change of angle was James Armstrong who sprinted the remaining 50m to score out wide.

Taking the restart Perthshire were late to the following ruck and conceded the penalty for holding on. The attacking lineout took Lasswade into the 22 and making no mistake with their passing this time scored the bonus point try.

As half time approached ‘Shire were under intense pressure, defending on the line. Lasswade’s scrum was held back and after numerous phases, Perthshire forced a knock-on and the whistle blew. 22-12 in the host’s favour.

Captain Mat Rae rallied his men, the hard work defending was keeping Lasswade honest. More precision in attack and maintaining low tackle height were key to getting something from the second half.

Lasswade upped the ante in the first 15 minutes of the second half. Perthshire were out of shape and the penalty count crept higher. The hosts exploited voraciously, with 3 tries scored in the period; including when ‘Shire were reduced to 14 men after Ewen MacDonald was shown a yellow card.

There were individual plays that saved and boosted ‘Shire, be they ruck turnovers by Arran Sheach and Angus Walker or the secure lineout takes of Tom Colvin and Ewan MacKessack-Leitch who disrupted and even stole some from Lasswade. Kieran Maclean was staking his claim to the 2 jersey, throwing well and putting an industrious shift around the park. Despite intense pressure the front row were holding the scrums.

When the momentum shifted ‘Shire made inroads, Lasswade this time incurred the ire of the referee sending a player to the bin as Perthshire returned to 15. As with the first half the execution and discipline in attack was wanting and opportunities missed.

Time was ticking down and the score stayed 43-12 for a good while before James Armstrong, who played on the edge all match, was sent to think about his penalty count for 10 minutes. Lasswade used their scrum power to hold in the forwards then the extra man told as space was exploited to score another 2 tries.

The men in Black & White never looked back and never gave up. Attacking in the final minutes, a dangerous tackle resulted in a Lasswade player now going off for the final 10 minutes. The bench made a difference as tired legs were replaced by the fresh impetus of Simon McGarry and Lewis Macpherson. Andrew Whitelaw made a welcome return to Perthshire colours to see out the match.

With James Armstrong back on the pitch ‘Shire pushed on. A lineout maul attack was unsuccessful but returning for no advantage, a short tap penalty was delivered to Dan Rae. All match he had put in the big hits and hard carries. This time he carried hard & low, bursting over the line to score with 3 Lasswade defenders hanging off him. Quickly taken, the conversion landed and with 2 minutes left Perthshire had a small window to claim a fourth try and bonus point.

It was not to be, but endeavour and heart were shown throughout. Every single player put in a shift giving the coaches a lot to think about as the final and crucial league matches approach. Congratulations to Lasswade who will rightly be playing National 2 rugby next season.

Next week Perthshire travel to Ardrossan Academicals who sit in 9th place in the table just one below Perthshire who are 8th. A win is a must to ease any risk of relegation and from Saturday’s performance there is definitely a resilient mentality within the team when up against the odds.

Greenock Advance as Eagles’ Focus Wanders

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Greenock Wanderers 32 – 16 Perthshire

Bruce boots ‘Shire ahead before second half calamity.

Spring was in the air as Perthshire travelled to Greenock. Fort Matilda was looking green, the sun was shining and conditions were near perfect for rugby. A large home crowd had assembled in what they hoped would be the renaissance of Greenock who have struggled this season. Perthshire’s job was simple, Head Coach Alan Clark spelt it out before kick-off: play rugby, silence the home support and put points on the board.

Perthshire received the kick-off and started brightly winning a penalty within the Greenock half. Calum Bruce took the opportunity and slotted the 3 points to take an early lead. Bad luck hit though as Claude Millée on the wing had to retire with an injury to his shoulder, seeing Aedan Milne make an early entry off the bench.

More bad luck followed as centre James Armstrong left the field injured, he would return briefly later but could not continue so by 20 minutes of the game played half the bench was used.

The referee allowed play to resume before substitution Jack McIntosh was able to get into position, taking advantage of rejigging the back line, Greenock put in a crossfield kick wide & deep into the 22. Scrambling and on the back foot Perthshire held out for a few phases but couldn’t organise the defence before Greenock pushed over for the opening score.

Hurt by this Perthshire sprung into action however, in these opening exchanges they were guilty of forcing play and making errors or giving away penalties. Nothing seemed to stick. Greenock then managed to get out wider and break down the left wing. They couldn’t cross the line but an offside penalty gave, former Perthshire player, AJ Guthrie an easy 3 points to increase their lead.

Perthshire kicked the restart deep and Greenock responded in kind. Isolated on the wing Perthshire conceded a penalty which Greenock failed to find touch with, however, the ‘Shire clearance didn’t make touch either and Greenock then put a 50:22 kick down the other wing to gain lineout throw. The ensuing maul sucked in the forwards and one pass out led to a try, 13-3 to the Wanderers.

This seemed to get the Eagles moving up the gears. The remainder of the half saw Perthshire capitalise on their obvious scrum advantage. As has been the case this season, the dominant scrum is not getting the penalties due but is providing a solid platform. Into the 22, Perthshire were struggling to make the final pass stick or build sufficient pressure to score. Then spying a space out wide Calum Bruce kicked crossfield where it bounced and landed in to the arms of the on-rushing Jack McIntosh who danced past 2 defenders to score a try converted by Bruce.

Perthshire continued to pressurise Wanderers and by the stroke of half time had secured 6 more points from the boot of Calum Bruce to lead 13-16. Captain Mat Rae took charge telling his team to trust their processes and continue ratcheting up the pressure on Greenock. Kyle MacKinnon was destroying the opposite front row, the scrum was to be the platform on which to build the win.

That message got lost. Perthshire started the second half dismally, conceding 2 tries in quick succession, including when down to 14 men, after Kieran Ramsay was shown a yellow card for a “dangerous tackle.”

There was a renaissance but ‘Shire could not hold on to their ball, often being isolated and getting turned over. Greenock played an excellent kicking game forcing Perthshire back and finding space in behind to exploit. All the day scrum was solid; James Mair and Calum Chalmers were winning turnovers and Mat Rae & Kieran Ramsay would make surges in the centre. Yet, it all came to nothing.

Tackling which had been good crept ever higher allowing Greenock more opportunities to break past defenders and ‘Shire tired. There was time for one more Wanderers score before the match petered out. Scoring 19 unanswered points in the second half allowed Greenock to seal the match comfortably, 32-16.

The home crowd were ecstatic and maybe that played into Perthshire’s second half fragility. A huge improvement is required before next weekend when a trip to league leaders Lasswade beckons. As spring is here, it’s the business end of the league season now. Perthshire are in a reasonable position but need to lift themselves up after this defeat to finish the season strongly.

The 2XV short of numbers due to COVID-19 gallantly fulfilled a fixture at Crieff while under resourced and will too face a tough away trip to Waid FP next weekend.

Photos taken by Heather Kirkman.

Notice of Positive COVID-19 Case at Perthshire Rugby 11th February 2022

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Notice of Positive COVID-19 Case at Perthshire Rugby 11th February 2022

This morning Perthshire Rugby were informed of 2 positive coronavirus test results from within the Senior squad who trained this week. As the changing rooms were used it is possible that team members were exposed indoors where transmission risk is higher than outside during the training session.

We have already been in touch directly with everyone who, through our Track & Trace system, have been identified as a possible contact of the positive case. Scottish Rugby have been informed and full cooperation is being offered to NHS Test & Protect and NHS Tayside.

In line with the Club’s COVID-19 policy and upon liaison with the Senior Section coaches and Club Committee it was agreed to ask to postpone both Senior fixtures this weekend: the 1XV at home to Berwick and the 2XV at away to Dunfermline 2XV. This was the only decision that the Club could safely take allowing the NHS time to contact trace and provide advice.

As is standard procedure the Club’s polices and risk assessment will be reviewed to see if there is a way of reducing the chance of a repeat in the future. I am thankful to all members of Perthshire Rugby and the wider community for their support and understanding. COVID-19 is not yet away and precautions must be taken, even if it means a frustrating postponement of matches when there is such enthusiasm and ambition in the squad to play.

No other sections of the Club are affected so Mini, Midi and Women’s rugby at Perthshire continue as planned.

 

Ewan MacKessack-Leitch
Club Captain and COVID-19 Safety Co-ordinator
Perthshire Rugby

Pushed Around the Eagles Take a Step Backwards

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West of Scotland 38 – 9 Perthshire

West overpower in a decisive second half.

This was a game of two halves. It was a dry day but recent rain made for a heavy pitch at Burnbrae and with Storm Malik blowing through a forwards game was on the cards.

The initial exchanges were fairly even, both teams playing a simple gameplan and defending it well. West were well drilled in the scrum and put pressure on Perthshire, something the Black & White pack have not really experienced this season. A scrum penalty followed by later indiscipline at the breakdown saw Perthshire retreating backwards. On the 8th minute West capitalised to score their opening converted try.

The next 25 minutes followed a similar pattern. Slowly but surely the Perthshire forwards made the hard yards entering in to the West half; carries from Ewen MacDonald, Calum Chalmers and Dan Rae making significant inroads. The backs saw some ball too, Mat Rae and Jonny Armitt making valuable metres when the space was there. Some errors would see ‘Shire go back, but return they would with relentless determination. When the assault got too intense West would concede a penalty. Up stepped Calum Bruce to duly slot them, 3 from 3 even in the wind. With 35 minutes on clock Perthshire took the lead 7-9.

A failure to clear the restart gave West valuable possession in the ‘Shire half for only the second time in the match. Rucks were keenly contested but after catching the eye of the referee one too many times Matt Jenns was shown a yellow card with 2 left minutes in the half. West used their numbers advantage in the scrum to hold the forwards in, creating space outside to run in a try, unconverted the half time whistle blew. West of Scotland 12 – 9 Perthshire.

‘Shire started the half with 14 men and battled well to hold off West, some strong tackles by Kieran Ramsay, Dan Rae and James Mair keeping West honest. Just as Matt Jenns was ready to return West claimed their third try.

The next score was crucial, down 19-9 Perthshire could recover if it went their way. Alas it did not, guilty of conceding penalties at the rucks and the scrum creaking ‘Shire were soon on the backfoot. West scored two more tries reasonably quickly to secure the result. Injuries to Ewen MacDonald and Shaun Barton did not help matters, a considerable reshuffling of the back line was needed seeing Man-of-the-Match Kieran Ramsay move out to the centre.

Individuals continued to battle hard but there was no luck for ‘Shire. Scrums held a bit better but gaps were opening up and getting tired Perthshire were guilty of going too high in tackles giving West some easy metres. When in possession support was too slow to make effective attacks and momentum lost. Eventually on the 80th minute West scored their 6th try to finish the match 38-9 winners.

This was a sobering experience for the Perthshire team who had trained well and came in with some confidence after the improved performance against Hillhead the week before. Plenty for coaches Alan Clark & Kenny Christie to work on before the challenge of Berwick on the North Inch in 2 weeks’ time.

It was a similar story for the 2s who worked hard but for little reward throughout their match. In it until the 2nd half eventually losing 7-34 against Dunfermline 2XV. See the full match report here: www.perthshire-rfc.co.uk/teams/2nd-xv

Meanwhile the Women’s team shared their opposition with the 1s travelling to Milngavie to take on the West of Scotland 2XV. This match marked a huge achievement as it was the first time they had a full 1XV thanks to players from Aberfeldy RFC joining the squad. They achieved a 45-15 win and more can be seen on their page: www.perthshire-rfc.co.uk/teams/women

Next week it’s the Calcutta Cup so no 1XV match but, the 2XV will be in action hosting Crieff under the North Inch floodlights on Friday night with a 7pm kick-off. Come down to support the players in Black & White! All are welcome to the Perth Bowling Club on Saturday to watch the 6 Nations matches, including the action from Murrayfield.

Photos can be seen here: www.westofscotlandfc.co.uk/galleries/west-v-perthshire-29_01_22

 

Close and Pushing All the Way

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Perthshire 0 – 10 Hillhead Jordanhill

After a long battle on the North Inch, Shire just lose in the end.

Considering this was Perthshire’s first competitive game since the defeat to Howe on 27th November this was an enthralling game and both teams went at each other hammer and tongs for the full 80 minutes, or 95 minutes, depending on whose watch you were looking at.

Hillhead had the majority of possession in the 1st half but seldom has a Perthshire team exhibited so much passion and skill in defence as time after time they repelled everything Hillhead could throw at them. Shire suffered an early injury blow when James Armstrong, who was making his comeback after injury, was carted off in the first 5 minutes resulting in a reshuffle of the backs. Jonny Armitt, celebrating his birthday with a confident and excellent all round display, made an early bone crunching tackle to save a certain try and this set the tone for the rest of the game. Shire’s forwards stepped up to the plate and with the front 5 doing all the unheralded work to contain Hillhead, the back row of Chalmers, Mair and man of the match Matt Jenns ensured that every ball was contested and they gave no ground to the strong Hillhead pack.

It was all desperate backs to the wall stuff and the referee seemed to be penalising Shire every time they went near the ball and if Hillhead had opted for kicks at goal instead of trying to score tries all the time they could well have been out of sight at half time. With a half time score of 0 – 0 people could have been excused if they were thinking this was a dull boring game but it was anything but.

Kieran Ramsay brought fresh impetus to the forwards when he came on and the return of Armstrong who had shaken off his earlier injury went on to the wing and brought a new attacking threat to Shire. As a result, Perthshire had a much more attacking presence as the game went on and tested the Hillhead defence with their strong running.

Mat Rae was proving a handful and young Andrew Sanderson like all good scrum halves was scrapping away with his opposite number at every opportunity and providing good ball for the backs. Ross Goodison was full of elusive running and James Armstrong was causing all sorts of damage on the wing. Unfortunately, he was yellow carded on 50 minutes for an innocuous offence and Shire had to dig even deeper. It was good to see a Perthshire team exhibiting such a fighting resolve and there was no way they were going to lie down to the pressure coming from Hillhead.

Perthshire scored what would have been a monumental try and every player on the park along with the spectators were certain that the try was good but the one man who mattered, the referee, didn’t award it although the photographic evidence certainly looked to support Shire’s view.

Shire’s forwards grew stronger as the game progressed and a yellow card for Hillhead’s French hooker added to the impetus although they then reverted to uncontested scrums which nullified Shire’s advantage somewhat. Just as it looked as though a draw was inevitable Hillhead at last broke the Shire defence to score. The clock then seemed to tick on well past the 80 minutes and a further devastating blow to Shire’s players was another late try to rob them of the losing bonus point.

To come away from this encounter with nothing to show for it was a huge disappointment but everyone in the squad can take credit for a fighting display and if this form can be repeated away from home, then there should be a strong finish to the season for the mighty Shire.

The 2XV were also in action for the first time in 2022 away at Grangemouth 2XV. The team started well and were unlucky to go down 5-0 after about 10 minutes. The Eagles then conceded a second try before a quick tap, followed by forward carries in midfield, allowed space to release Rabson Chipakupaku out to score. The final 10 minutes of the half were dominated by Perthshire but they couldn’t turn the pressure into points and were down 10-5 at the break.

In the second half, the 2s lost structure and confidence shipping some easy tries before a late rally when a lineout maul surged forward allowing Arran Sheach to crash over and score Perthshire’s second try. The match ended 27 – 10 in Grangemouth 2XV’s favour.

Next weekend Perthshire travel to West of Scotland for the first double header shared with the Women’s team, supporters welcome on the teams’ bus. The 2s host Dunfermline 2XV at the North Inch with a 2pm kick-off, all welcome to come and cheer on the 2s!

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

Notice of Positive COVID-19 Case at Perthshire Rugby 9th January 2022

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Notice of Positive COVID-19 Case at Perthshire Rugby 9th January 2022

Earlier today Perthshire Rugby were notified that one of our Senior Section members who recently attended the Club has tested positive for COVID-19. We have already been in touch directly with everyone who, through our Track & Trace system, have been identified as a possible contact of the positive case. Scottish Rugby have been informed and full cooperation is being offered to NHS Test & Protect and NHS Tayside.

The Club Committee will be briefed at the scheduled meeting on Monday 10th January. With the new variants and high incidence a review of our COVID-19 policies and risk assessments was completed last week. The Committee will see if any more can practically be done to limit risk of transmission within the current environment.

While unfortunate, this was always a possibility and remains a constant danger. The Club have followed and operated COVID-19 safety measures which are regularly updated with the latest guidance from SRU and Scottish Government. Thank you to all the Club for their understanding and continued adherence to our COVID-19 polices & procedures.

No other sections of the Club are affected so Mini, Midi and Women’s rugby at Perthshire continue as planned.

Ewan MacKessack-Leitch
Club Captain and COVID-19 Safety Co-ordinator
Perthshire Rugby

Eagles Blown Off Course

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Howe of Fife 40 – 15 Perthshire

Too slow to start Perthshire are punished in first half.

Storm Arwen blew in and forced the 2XV match away to Waid Academy FP to be postponed but the 1XV trip to Howe of Fife was good to go. There was thus sizeable support on the bus with many 2s players joining to watch the match at Duffus Park.

The first half was dominated by the wind and the Eagles’ scrum. Winning the toss, Howe opted to play uphill but with the wind at their backs for the first 40 minutes. For ‘Shire it was a tough period of intense defence and slow marches towards Howe’s goal-line.

Both teams were up for it from the start with big hits and powerful runs. It was Howe who opened the scoring around the 10 minute mark after working the ball out wide to score. Perthshire rallied and fought straight back pushing into the 22 but were turned over at the ruck. Howe cleared with the wind taking them right back into the ‘Shire 22.

This pattern would continue, Perthshire made hard yards, Ross Goodison, Ewen MacDonald and Mat Rae leading the charges, only to drop or get turned over. Then Howe would send it back down for Perthshire to start again. The teams were even but for the scrum. Kyle MacKinnon was destroying his opposite prop; time after time the Howe scrum reversed and buckled, yet, the referee saw no infringement and forced Jack McIntosh at scrumhalf to play the ball out.

The second try came for Howe after a counter-attack where ‘Shire were exposed in the backfield, 14-0. The Duffus Park crowd were enjoying the spectacle of the match. Shaun Barton, Dan Rae and Angus Walker gave the ‘Shire line a hard edge which repelled the Howe attacks, at one stage forcing a knock-on in-goal to prevent a third Howe try. More surging runs from Kieran Ramsay and Calum Chalmers built momentum backed up by James Mair. Scott Alcorn and Aidan Watson were making breaks but support in wider channels or in behind was not quick enough.

Still the scrum was dominating Howe who would wheel it round in desperation, but no reward came the Eagles’ way. Then at last a scrum penalty – against Perthshire for boring in! More bad luck followed when at the stroke of halftime, Howe scored from close range following a lineout to lead 21-0.

Three scores down the men in Black & White got their orders from coaches Alan Clark and Kenny Christie: use the wind, continue to dominate the scrum and keep up the pressure.

It didn’t go to plan, the wind died down so Howe were reprieved from fighting against it and scrum dominance failed to gain any credit. Despite a bright start, Howe again on the counter-attack released Gregor Smith to score under the sticks.

This rallied Perthshire and they fronted up more, really taking the game to Howe. Angus Walker in particular was causing them problems, to which one Howe player took exception and used his head to try and change things. Unimpressed the referee produced a red card for the headbutting Howe player and dismissed Angus Walker to the sin bin for 10 minutes with a yellow card for his retaliation.

Minutes later Perthshire crossed the whitewash. After sustained pressure from the forwards battering towards the line, Kieran Ramsay claimed the 5 points.

Tempers were fraying and the referee was struggling to contain the frustrations of both teams, with ‘Shire increasingly aggrieved that the scrums were still not yielding the penalties they felt were deserved and then a forward pass going unnoticed for Howe to score their 5th try. To compound the bad luck, vice-captain James Mair had to leave the field injured.

A high tackle on Aidan Watson won Perthshire a penalty which he sent to touch around 10m out. Calling the lineout to himself Ewan MacKessack-Leitch took the ball and secured by Dan Rae the maul rumbled inexorably forwards. Splintering slightly at the line, Man-of-the-Match, Kieran Ramsay took hold of the ball and pushed over for an unconverted try, 33-10.

Restored to 15 men minutes later ‘Shire had a numerical advantage for the rest of the match. Having threatened all day with breaks, the back 3 of Jonny Armitt, Shaun Barton and Ross Goodison linked together on the counter to send the latter over after some slick hands and fine running. There were now 10 minutes left for ‘Shire to score again and secure at least a try bonus point.

Perthshire came close on a couple of occasions but were undone by the decisions of referee and players under pressure. Ross Goodison again went very close but the momentum was lost by a poor pass. Howe illegally slowed the ball after a Mat Rae break only for the Perthshire players to be penalised for trying to remove the offending players from lying on the ball.

Howe took one more try and their bench & coaching staff managed to get entangled in an “off-the-ball incident” before the referee called time at 80 minutes.

It was deflating for Perthshire to have nought to show from the match. For 30 minutes they were on top but games are a full 80. Positives to take but lessons to learn ahead of next weekend’s trip to Midlothian to face the undefeated Lasswade.

The 2s are also away, as they return to action at Bannockburn in the penultimate match of 2021.

Photos taken by Heather Kirkman.

The Hills were Alive to the Sound of Tries

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Hillhead Jordanhill 58 – 7 Perthshire

Perthshire outscored by 10 to 1 at Hughenden.

Scottish Rugby is played & supported week-in, week-out at the clubs across the country by those who truly enjoy & love the game. It is a great frustration that these communities are forced to choose whether to support their local Club or go to Murrayfield when there are International fixtures. Both Hillhead & Perthshire had players absent away to watch the Springboks or had decided to give up their tickets to play for their Club. This was a rescheduled fixture, but the money-men at Murrayfield need to realise that success isn’t a full 67000 crowd at the stadium, it is passionate supporters down to watch and play in their Clubs every week. Putting matches behind a paywall TV will not help either…

So it proved a challenge for Alan Clark to put together a Perthshire team, making calls that saw Glasgow-based Eagles Erlend Oag, Rory Bayne and Taylor Mair all come into the squad for their first matches in Black & White in years.

The weather was fair with bright sunshine not normal November conditions. Hillhead seized the momentum early on. After a ruck penalty they kicked to the corner. The lineout maul was unstoppable and they crashed over. The next 20 minutes was an even affair. Kyle MacKinnon dominated his opposite man all day in the scrum but when in possession Perthshire could not build the pressure before the greasy ball was dropped or ruck lost.

Hillhead equally in attack could not make anything stick, strong tackles from Dan Rae and Angus Walker held them back and they too often split the ball. From the backfield Scott Alcorn & Erlend Oag were safe under the high ball often returning or running it back with interest gained.

Eventually and somewhat against the run of play Hillhead manged to find a gap on the wing and kept the ball for the big men to burrow over from short range.

The remainder of the half saw Perthshire completely out of sorts shipping 3 more tries. It could have been worse but for some keen defensive efforts of Dan Rae, James Mair, Ross Goodison and Mat Rae. Half time Hillhead 31 – 0 Perthshire.

Another quick score after the restart and things looked ominous. However, Mat Rae rallied his men and building on the solid scrum Perthshire began to compete again. Building phases continued into be a problem. Despite great breaks from Mat Rae, Ross Goodison and Scott Alcorn possession was surrendered too cheaply.

In contrast to the scrum the lineout was not functioning further frustrating Perthshire’s attack. Hillhead capitalised on loose balls and a tiring ‘Shire to score 3 further tries. Despite desperate scramble defence led by Ewan MacKessack-Leitch and Dan Rae. Tom Colvin was using his height well to reclaim a number of the restarts but errors would force ‘Shire onto the backfoot again.

As the game wore on injuries took their toll. Another Hillhead try came from a driving maul and not long after Dan Rae was forced off. The bench had already been emptied and so there were only 14 Black & White shirts left on the pitch for the final 10 minutes.

Eventually, Perthshire got into a roll of pressure. The referee grew impatient with Hillhead’s offside and ruck skulduggery awarding ‘Shire penalties but the ropey lineout was an unreliable platform to attack from.

Following a turnover Hillhead kicked out of their 22 and into the arms of Scott Alcorn. He ran it back, chipped over the defensive line and won the foot race to collect the ball. Haring for the line he was hauled down millimetres from the whitewash. Perthshire surged forward but were pushed back, however, Hillhead were offside and James Mair took the penalty quickly. A few pick & goes from the base edged ever closer, then with an advantage being played it went out. Whether he was meant to receive it or not, Stevie Wilkie took the pass and trundled over the line, Hillhead helpless in the wake of Stevie’s irrepressible momentum. Calum Bruce made the conversion.

The game ended with one final score from Hillhead to make it 10 tries to 1. Despite the score line there were positives to take for the Eagles. The back rowers covered all the pitch popping up to support rucks or make cover tackles. The scrum was solid and at no point did Perthshire give up or get negative. Still there will be plenty for Alan Clark to work on with his team over the next 2 weeks before the trip to Howe of Fife.

That match will be on 27th November as there is a weekend off now which will allow for some recovery. The 2XV were not in action and will return also on the 27th away to Waid FP.

Photos taken by Heather Kirkman.

All Go but All Square after Gripping 80 Minutes

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Perthshire 26 – 26 Murrayfield Wanderers

Perthshire regroup and fight back to secure draw.

Both teams arrived at the North Inch eager to play rugby; and as has been consistent this season the supporters down on the North Inch were treated to an exciting, enthralling game of rugby in which the momentum swung back and forth between two evenly matched teams.

Following the kick-off neither team could make the breakthrough. Defence was resolute and Murrayfield were able to repel surging runs from Kyle MacKinnon and darting snipes from Aidan Watson. In defence James Mair and Shaun Barton were shutting down anything Murrayfield tried.

With about 10 minutes on the clock ‘Shire had a lineout 30m out. Quickly delivered off the top, Andrew Sanderson passed to Aidan Watson who ran a sweet loop around the centres creating an extra man to give Jonny Armitt the ball and a 2 on 1. Armitt ran on enough to interest the defender then sent a long pass out to Jay Pettie who took his chance brilliantly sprinting the remaining 20m to score in the corner. Despite the circling wind Calum Bruce made the tricky conversion to lead 7-0.

Perthshire’s receipt off the restart has given coaches Alan Clark & Kenny Christie nightmares all season and so it proved again. Knocked on, Murrayfield were awarded a scrum and an immediate chance to strike back. From this platform Wanderers were patient, slowly building the phases in the forwards until a gap opened in midfield which was exploited to give them their first converted try of the match.

Now it became very one-sided. Murrayfield were in the ascendancy and Perthshire went AWOL. Only some desperate defending by Angus Walker and Ross Goodison relieved the intense pressure. Perthshire missed touch with a clearance kick presenting an open backfield into which the Wanderers’ wing chipped & chased into. He hacked on again, just pipping the retreating ‘Shire defence to score under the posts and take the lead 7-14.

It went from bad to worse, for the team in Black & White. The bounce of the ball was going Murrayfield’s way and Shire were making life very difficult for themselves. Kicks failed to find touch or the chase was poor, tackles were missed and possession rapidly squandered. Twice denied after resolute defence of lineout mauls, Murrayfield took their third try after building patiently from a scrum within the 22. Unconverted and with 25 minutes on the clock they had a 7-19 point lead. Worse for the Eagles, early try scorer Jay Pettie was forced off the field with a knee injury.

This team has changed under Mat Rae’s leadership and the work of Alan Clark & Kenny Christie. In seasons gone by the rot would have continued and ‘Shire would have softened up allowing more scores in. Instead a switch seems to have gone on and ‘Shire took the game to Wanderers.

Winning a scrum in the midfield the forwards set a solid platform. Aidan Watson noticed the defence was flat and collected his own chip over the top to get in behind. Multiple phases followed, the forwards putting in hard carries; with a penalty advantage Aidan Watson sent a high ball into the in-goal area. It bounced off the outstretched hands of the Murrayfield fullback into the arms of Ross Goodison to touch down for an unconverted try on the stroke of half-time; 12-19.

Continuing in this vein Perthshire flew out of the blocks in the second half. Stuart Magill & Dan Rae were like demons tackling to bring down the heavy runners, meanwhile the back row of Calum Chalmers, James Mair and Shaun Barton were contesting every ruck turning many and giving Murrayfield no platform to attack.

The pressure was relentless. Scott Alcorn found the space in behind his opposite number on the wing with a precise kick through. Given the chance of trying to out manoeuvre Alcorn or head into touch, the wing took the latter. From the attacking lineout the Eagles turned the screw. Barrelling carries from Ewen MacDonald and Kyle MacKinnon forced a penalty. Opting for the scrum Perthshire were dominant, the ball was released and sent quickly through the hands to reach Mat Rae who used his strength & speed to better his opposite man and score. Calum Bruce brought it level to 19-19 with the conversion.

The game was tense, but ‘Shire were still on the front foot. Angus Walker was playing out of his skin to keep the ball moving forward, Dan Rae continued to put in the big hits and Aidan Watson was controlling things with Andrew Sanderson at the back of rucks. Penalties started mounting against Murrayfield, Calum Bruce just pulled wide in an effort to go ahead. Then moments later with Wanderers marched back for ill-discipline ‘Shire spurned the chance of an easier 3 points to go for the scrum. This time, the scrum buckled and Murrayfield countered. It was a quick attack and they made it right into the Perthshire 22 until they were stopped.

The match then descended in to a real end-to-end affair. Ross Goodison with only one boot danced and battered his way 60m up the touchline before stopped by a high tackle. Breaks were made by Mat Rae, Scott Alcorn, Calum Bruce and Claude Millée too, but each time something conspired to stop progress and Murrayfield attacked right back down the pitch.

After one such Perthshire foray, Murrayfield had a defending scrum inside their 22. Somehow from first phase they found an opening in the centre and managed to run through getting the ball in behind the Black & White defensive line. Spun out to the wing the cover defence was beaten and, against the run of play with 15 minutes left, Murrayfield were ahead 19-26.

A response was needed and Shaun Barton delivered with a stunning catch of the restart to put Perthshire into a strong attacking position. It was slow progress, maybe guilty of kicking possession away too readily rather than building up field the Eagles could not find the edge needed to draw level. The penalty count against Murrayfield crept ever higher, eventually the referee sent the openside flanker to the sin bin for the remainder of the match.

Still the pressure built and the penalties came their way but Perthshire could not cross the line. Finally, the forwards took it upon themselves and slowly but surely crawled up the hard metres until just enough space opened for, Man of the Match, Aidan Watson to show & go then score the bonus point try in the last minute.

With no time left on the clock at 24-26, Calum Bruce stepped up to take the conversion. The 2 points would earn the draw. Coolly he slotted it over and there was great relief all around that Perthshire had the points to reflect the performance on the pitch.

This was the second meeting of these teams this season. At the away fixture Murrayfield Wanderers introduced the Adam Pattinson Memorial Cup which is to be contested each time these two teams play. Ads was a big man in Scottish Rugby who inspired many and it was great to see some of the family down to watch and Claire Pattinson present the trophy jointly to both captains in recognition of the draw.

Due to the Autumn Internationals there was no 2XV fixture. Next week the 1XV travel to Hillhead to play in the rescheduled match with an 11am kick-off. Supporters welcome on the bus but beware, it is an early 7:30am departure.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson and Heather Kirkman.