Perthshire 43 – 22 Greenock Wanderers

With over 40 players training in midweek, the Shire coaches were in upbeat mood prior to this crucial match versus Greenock. The impending league restructuring next season means that only one team will gain promotion but the bottom six will be relegated to the new National League Div 4 and everyone at the club is dedicated to avoiding this.

Seldom has a Shire side been as fired up at the start of a game as this group of players and within a few minutes of Greenock kicking off, the Eagles shot to a 7-point lead. Following a penalty, the forwards drove strongly to the Greenock line and 2nd row Angus Walker claimed the try when he was driven over. Aidan Watson converted for the extra points. Greenock refused to lie down though and only some excellent defence from the Eagles stopped them building up any momentum with James Mair, Callum Chalmers and Matt Jenns in the back row putting in some thumping tackles. Shire’s front row of Darlington, Magill and Macdonald were putting a power of effort into the scrums and after pushing Greenock off the ball, it was quickly moved out and James Mair, following up from Number 8 scooped the ball up and powered over. Watson again adding the conversion.

Greenock hit back immediately, and some good play led to a converted penalty to reduce the deficit. Tempers flared up and a few scraps took place before the referee stepped in to calm things down. Once again Shire’s scrum pushed Greenock backwards but their dynamic scrum half Jonathan Murray retrieved the ball from the retreating scrum and sent their young winger scampering up the blind side for an excellent try, but one, which in all honesty, should not have been conceded. Perthshire responded with some strong running by Dan Rae and the forwards to put Greenock on the back foot but too many attacks broke down. Greenock missed touch with a penalty and the ball was collected by Aidan Watson who showed his acceleration and jinking sidesteps as he zig zagged ¾ of the pitch to score an amazing individual try.

Greenock never once sat back though and they peppered the Shire line trying to break through and were held up over the line on several occasions as Shire’s defence stood firm. Greenock suffered a yellow card for a deliberate knock on but they responded with a repeat of their previous try when Murray sent Garrity up the blind again and the young winger collected his 2nd try to show that Greenock were every bit up for the win as Shire were. Not to be outdone by all these individual tries, Shire’s scrum half Jack McIntosh collected a loose ball in his own half and weaved through despairing tackles for a splendid try and a bonus point for the Eagles on the stroke of half time to lead 26-15 at the break.

Perthshire were on fire now against the 14-man Greenock team and a clever switch of play saw young centre Rory Bayne on a strong run up the blind to finish with a flourish to the delight of the home support. Perthshire continued to batter the visiting defence but all too often the moves broke down with dropped balls or loose passes. Dan Rae made a spectacular tackle to rob Greenock and soon afterwards Jonny Armitt saved a certain try when he flattened the flying Murray. With William Campbell sin binned for a high tackle the game hit a lull for a while but came back to life when Mat Rae hit a monstrous kick up to the Greenock 5 metre line and after stealing the line out, Shire drove over for a try scored by the returning William Campbell.

A rejuvenated Perthshire finished strongly as Greenock were again reduced to 14 men and Armitt was held short but the ball was quickly recycled to Gavin Hegarty who swivelled over for try number 7. Matt Jenns was next in line for the yellow card and Greenock took advantage at the end of the game when Murray scored a well deserved try but Shire ran out deserved winners by 43 points to 22.

This was a very bright and encouraging display by Shire who now face a tricky away trip to Bishopbriggs to play newly promoted Allan Glens FP. Perthshire still have many of their stars on the injured list, but this squad is capable of winning games and a big part can be played by supporters who not only come down to the North Inch but travel with the team to give them the encouragement they deserve. There is always plenty of space on the team bus and everyone will be made most welcome.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

Perthshire 7 – 64 Berwick

Season ends on the North Inch, as a work in progress.

After numerous ups & downs the 1XV League season came to an end on the North Inch. The squad should be commended for their resilience in the face of a whole manner of problems, not least COIVD-19 which disrupted the season multiple times. Now safely in the League for next year the mission for the 1s was to enjoy playing rugby and see if an upset was possible against promotion chasing Berwick.

Certainly in the first 30 minutes Perthshire were more than a match for Berwick. Keen defence and solid set piece were holding their own. Berwick were forced into mistakes and turnovers. Calum Chalmers and Matt Jenns particularly impressive at the breakdown generally disrupting Berwick and securing turnovers.

Aidan Watson and Lewis Murrie continued to build their 9/10 partnership and set up some promising attacks, that just came short. The referee’s interpretation of the goal-line drop out not helping. Later on, awarded a lineout within 10m Perthshire were caught in an accidental offside trap in the following maul. The scrums were solid, Captain for the day Ewen MacDonald, Will Campbell and Rhys Darlington getting the edge over their opposite front rowers.

Slowly but surely Berwick began to soak up the pressure and show their promotion credentials. Coming close to the line the score seemed inevitable only for Jonny Armitt to break the siege with an intercept and race up the pitch. Unfortunately the support couldn’t rally quick enough for the pass away and he was caught and the momentum lost.

The scoreline 0-0 with 30 minutes played and Perthshire were holding their own. However, Berwick went up a gear and managed with deft skill and benefitting from weak tackling to open some gaps in the home team’s defence to run in 3 tries before the half ended, 0-19.

Not disheartened Perthshire knew they could still turn it around in the second half. Kieran Ramsay entered the battle and immediately made an impact. Hard tackling and bursting runs causing havoc for the visitors. Winning a turnover while defending the try line Perthshire thought they were good to relieve the pressure. The referee however did not like some of Perthshire’s language and awarded a penalty which Berwick exploited to get the first try of the second half.

Undeterred ‘Shire hit back and Tom Colvin, having a great game, made the difference pressuring the defender to a force the knock on. A scrum penalty followed and ‘Shire had a lineout close to the Berwick line. The maul formed and made some distance before splintering. A few short phases infield then Kieran Ramsay called it to the blind side where he bundled over the line to score. Jonny Armitt adding the extras from a difficult angle.

The remaining 30 minutes were difficult for ‘Shire. Berwick showed real class in attack creating and exploiting space. Injury forced Simon McGarry off and a rejig of the backline. Though the set piece was equal, maybe even in Perthshire’s favour defenders started falling off tackles as the Eagles tired. The Northumberland men needed no second invitations and scored a good number of tries.

Despite clearly being on the wrong side of the results the Eagles continued to attack and defend as a team. Tom Colvin, Calum Chalmers and Kieran Ramsay leading the charge while Angus Walker never took a step backwards holding the line. Ross Goodison was a lively threat all day and relentlessly defended his wing.

The final whistle blew and Berwick with 2 games left are surely on course to promotion to National League 2. Perthshire meanwhile know they are a work in progress and Head Coach Alan Clark hit the nail on the head observing that ‘Shire were equal to top of the league for 30 minutes; off-season, and preseason will be there to make it an 80 minute performance and in 2022/23 challenge for top spots.

The 2XV season, however, continues until 14th May so there will still be rugby for supporters to watch for another 5 weeks. On Saturday the 2s travelled to Bannockburn, but due to player availability it was played under Game On rules with 11 a side.

With no-one on the bench it was a long hard day for Perthshire. Captain Jack Mcintosh was proud of the efforts from his team, the mindset was right and despite conceding 62 points managed to secure a try bonus point to take something from the match. The 4 tries coming from a Rab Pittendreigh interception, Peter Cowen burning round the outside defenders and 2 by Fraser Coldwell individually cutting through the opposition for one and later finished off a team attack starting from the ’Shire 22 for this second. Final score Bannockburn 62 – 26 Perthshire 2XV.

Next week the 2s will face Montrose, kick-off 3pm on the North Inch. Supporters encouraged and welcome to support the Eagles.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

Perthshire 60 – 10 Greenock Wanderers

Large home support boosts Perthshire to strong win.

Only 3 weeks ago Perthshire travelled to Greenock and were beaten 32-16. Today was a chance to exact revenge and for the squad to show coaches Alan Clark & Kenny Christie they have learnt and are up for the fight to stay in National League rugby. With a large crowd rallied to support the boys in this key fixture they did not disappoint.

The sunshine brought out running rugby and Perthshire brought a discipline and focus not seen for years in a team wearing Black & White. The enthralling first half saw tries from Kyle MacKinnon, Jonny Armitt, Aidan Watson, Angus Walker and Dan Rae; 3 converted by Calum Bruce. Greenock getting one in response.

It was more of the same in the second half with Kieran Ramsay x2, Calum Chalmers x2 and Mat Rae all crossing the whitewash, with 2 conversions added from the boot of Aidan Watson. Greenock pulled one back and continued in the fight but it was Perthshire’s day. The pack dominance really asserted itself and the bounce of the ball went the Eagle’s way.

It has been a long time coming, the hard dark winter training maybe now bearing fruit. Next week sees a derby with Strathmore visiting the North Inch. Perthshire need to back this performance up with another against the Forfar men to show they mean business and it was not a once off. All welcome to join the support for what promises to be an enthralling encounter. Kick-off is 3pm.

Working up the Learning Curve

Perthshire 2XV 19 – 44 Waid Academy FP

Team improves as the match progresses

By Thursday night Dave Lewis had a squad named with a full bench for the match on Saturday. A different sort of selection headache for “Big Dave” as he had to decide which players were left out such was the availability across the Senior Squad.

The 22 players that took to field had a range of experience, there were 5 players making their Perthshire debut, for some their first rugby match ever, and others who have played for regularly for the 1XV, even just last week. Waid only had 14 players and elected to use Game On rules so the sides were matched at 14 each and the game reduced to 60 minutes played over 3x 20 minute periods. As it was a hot day regular water breaks would be necessary.

Perthshire started brightly kicking off and some aggressive defence put Waid back. However, after a couple of phases the line speed dropped off and Waid’s big carriers in the midfield started taking generous chunks of territory before getting stopped. This momentum told soon after as they crashed over for the opening score.

The same pattern followed with Waid making easy yards following weak tackling, ‘Shire guilty of going too high and getting bounced. Scott Tarrant chased back to put in a magnificent cover tackle after a clean break, getting his man down, the support was there and the offload made the try. Unfortunately having put his all into the tackle Scott’s arm took the full force and suffered a nasty fracture. Everyone wishes him well for a quick recovery.

Perthshire hadn’t really had the ball and when they did often the support was a bit too slow and the speed went out of the play or Waid effected the turnover. The benefits of training together began to show as the men in Black & White hit back after some good phase play. Awarded a scrum the pack surged forward and scrumhalf Jack Mcintosh, a live wire all day, spotted the opportunity to take from the base, dummy and back himself to the line for a try converted by Rab Pittendreigh.

There was time for Waid to score once more before the opening 20 minute period was over. The hard ground claiming it’s second victim as debutant Lewis Moffat was forced off with a knee injury from the cover tackle. Dave Lewis asked his players to stay connected in attack and defence and keep low in the tackle. Then they were ready and rehydrated for the second period.

With some rejigging in the squad ‘Shire were caught a bit off guard and Waid ran in 2 quick tries, again the first up tackling letting down the home team. However, Perthshire’s set piece dominance really started to show through. In the scrums Cameron McGougan and Stevie Wilkie were solid providing more quality ball for Jack Mcintosh. Meanwhile Kieran Maclean and Ewan MacKessack-Leitch were in complete control of the lineout, winning all their own ball and making life difficult for the Waid pack.

Around half way through this period Simon McGarry made another break and was supported by Callum Coutts, as they formed formidable centre partnership. Waid infringed and this gave ‘Shire a chance for a lineout close to the line. It was secured and Jack Mcintosh found his men in the back line. However, the home team couldn’t find the breakthrough. Waid were offside and penalised for this. Mcintosh took the tap quickly sending the forwards on a foray between the posts but just short, then he spun it out to the backs. The after a series of interlinking passes and offloads Callum Coutts crossed the line to pull one back for Perthshire.

Perthshire attacked again but were thwarted by some good Waid defence and counter-rucking. On the turnover, Waid found the space to go the length of the pitch, despite the cover tackles of David Hutchison and Rabson Chipakupaku who both sprinted at least half the pitch to bring down their opposite man before the quick ruck and offloads took Waid over the line.

Going into the final period Perthshire knew that 2 more tries would earn the bonus point and then possibly the chance to win it. Debutants Mika Gratzke, Ryan Beaton and David Donovan were on the pitch and made their presence known, tackling and barging through Waid in close quarters. As they did all match Arran Sheach, Simon McGarry and Calum Coutts were winning numerous ruck penalties as Waid went onto the backfoot. Converting this pressure into points was difficult. Lineouts were won, rolling mauls set, solid scrum platforms and incisive backs runs all came but the final pass or support was not there.

Then following more devastating runs in the centres the ball went out to Colin Smith who turned on the pace. After 40m the cover brought him down. Waid earned a scrum but couldn’t clear far and ‘Shire had the opportunity to attack again. Multiple ruck & offside penalties built up as Perthshire reached the 5m line. Club Captain, Ewan MacKessack-Leitch took it quickly and squeezed under the defender to score with about 7 minutes remaining. Rab Pittendreigh made the conversion.

One more try would have earnt the bonus point but despite good efforts, especially powerful runs by David Donovan, it never came. Waid instead managed a score in the closing stages.

Dave Lewis and Campbell Watson were proud of the performance from each player. Everyone stuck in and worked hard for their teammates. The team gelled more as the match progressed and if availability stays this good there are much better days to come, such is the potential waiting to be unleashed. Grangemouth 2XV are the challenge next week, also on the North Inch with kick-off 3pm.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

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.