Perthshire 26 – 26 Pontarddulais

Classic Tour fixture returns after 3 decade absence.

Not since 1993 had Pontarddulais RFC and Perthshire met. Previously there were regular matches between the 2 Clubs over a 25 year period starting on 31st January 1969. Most years the Clubs would visit one another while following the Five Nations Championship’s, Scotland v Wales matches.

Pontarddulais, or Bont as they are also known, took a 50+ strong touring party up with them from South Wales. Well lubricated and energised they took to the warm-up first before the Perthshire players had arrived and assembled. After a brief warm up the teams were marched onto the North Inch behind piper Arran Sheach, a welcome that was greatly appreciated by the Bont players and supporters who were cajoled out of the Bowling Club Bar by the skirl of the pipes.

The match was played in the spirit of friendship and free flowing exciting rugby over 3 periods of 20 minutes. The early exchanges were even, with both teams testing each other out. Perthshire scored first after an Aidan Watson break with support readily there John Kelly took the final pass to touchdown, the conversion scored by Calum Bruce.

Bont hit back within a few minutes. Perthshire were guilty of giving away penalties and the Welshmen took up the field, won a lineout and the forwards did the rest for an unconverted score. Perthshire were hit with early injuries and, with players yet to arrive, regular linesman Niall Menzies put down his flag stepping up for the first time in a Perthshire shirt since he played in the Tilburg Tour 2018, acquitting himself admirably until new substitutes came on.

Meanwhile Perthshire had survived after Bont came close and following an intercept & break by Calum Chalmers, the home team built the momentum; Jack High burst over from close range for ‘Shire’s second try before the end of the period, Calum Bruce again adding the extras.

Pontarddulais came out transformed in the second period. The mistakes and miscommunications corrected they put in quality phases. Strong running in the centres had the Eagles backpedalling on numerous occasions. Only some desperate last ditch tackles by Mikey Evans and Ross Goodison helped to keep them out. Further forays from the Welshmen were successful and Bont scored 2 tries to take the lead, 14-19.

Perthshire had gained some reinforcements and started to play more cohesively. Bont scored one more try before Rory Bayne finished off a flowing move & some deft passing to score a try converted by Calum Bruce, 21-26.

In the final period Perthshire continued to grow into the match as Pontarddulais tired. An unconverted Aidan Watson solo effort levelled the scores with 5 minutes left. Perthshire continued to pile on the pressure, the forwards taking on the ball and winning the hard yards.

In the final play Perthshire breached the Bont wall on the try line, however referee Craig Halley judged the ball held up and blew for fulltime. It was a draw 26-26, somewhat fitting for a friendly match played at pace and in good nature between two equally matched teams.

Rugby is about more than the sport, and friendships were made in the Bowling Club afterwards as players and supporters joined each other for a drink. The Welsh sang loudly and proudly the songs of their homeland. In a token of friendship Perthshire Club Captain, Ewan MacKessack-Leitch, presented the Pontarddulais Man of the Match, Josh Goss, and President, Darryll Howells, with Perthshire ties to take back to Wales with them. All being well, they will be wearing them next year when Perthshire look to the return fixture.

Then it was time for the Bont tour to depart, with a rousing rendition “Land of my Fathers” all 50+ shook hands and thanked their Perthshire hosts before stepping onto the bus.

League action returns to the North Inch this Saturday, with both Senior Men’s teams in action. The 1XV face local rivals Strathmore while the 2XV take on Bannockburn, both kick off at 2pm. These teams are close in the league tables, so it’s set up to be an enthralling afternoon. It will be a triple header on the North Inch as at 1pm the Colts will face Glenrothes U18s in the Saltire Energy Caledonia Youth Cup. Come on down and support all 3 teams.

Notice – James Yule

Perthshire Rugby is saddened to announce the death, on 1st February, of former President James Yule.

Jim was President during a golden period for the club during the seasons 1976-1977 and 1977-1978 which was shortly after the unofficial championship ended and Perthshire entered the new National Leagues. Adrian Dissell and Harry Lynch captained the club during Jimmy’s presidency and under his leadership the club fielded an impressive 5 senior teams.

Ably supported by his wife, Frances who predeceased him 2 years ago, Jim was a constant supporter at the North Inch and could be seen cajoling and encouraging the 1st XV from the touch line at every home match until ill health prevented him from attending.

His funeral will take place at Perth Crematorium on Wednesday 22nd February at 10:30am.