Tag Archive for: Women’s Rugby

Dundee Decisively Dispatched

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Dundee Valkyries 12 – 72 Perthshire Women

Perthshire Women secured a decisive 72-12 victory over Dundee Valkyries in their opening match of the season. Despite the overcast conditions, it was a great day for rugby, and Perthshire made a strong start from the kick-off. Early touches from Claire Rae and Suzanne Rennie, both returning from injury, set the tone, and Perthshire’s scrum was dominant throughout.

Perthshire’s first try came from a breakaway by Alex Ward, with excellent support play from Paula Watson and an impressive finish by Lydia McGinley. Ward successfully converted, putting Perthshire up 7-0. They soon extended their lead with a try from Watson after a clever kick and chase, though the conversion was missed. Dundee answered back with their first try, but failed to convert, leaving the score at 12-5.

Perthshire continued to dominate with powerful runs and sharp passing. Alex Ward added another try, converting it herself to extend the lead to 19-5. Strong play from Paige Klinkman and teamwork led to another try by Sarah “Rocky” Blackwood, which Ward converted, pushing the score to 26-5.

Dundee fought back and scored their second try just before halftime, narrowing the gap to 26-12. The second half saw Perthshire maintain their momentum, with Lily Beaton scoring shortly after the restart. Sophie Buggins added to the scoreline with another try, and Beaton soon scored her second.

Perthshire’s relentless attack continued with contributions from Becca Carroll, whose strong run kept play in Dundee’s half, and Beaton completing her hat trick. Sophie Buggins scored again, and Heather McKenzie added another try after a clever dummy from Ward, who converted to make it 53-12.

As the game neared its conclusion, Lisa Hamilton-Martin powered through the Dundee defence to set up Buggins for her hat trick. Despite a yellow card for Alex Ward, Perthshire’s defence held firm, and they continued to push forward. Beaton scored again for her third try, and after returning from the sin bin, Ward capped off a dominant performance with a try under the posts, with Libby converting.

Perthshire’s commanding 72-12 win showcased their strength, depth, and skill, setting a high standard for the season ahead.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

A Triumph in Turriff

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Turriff 17 – 39 Perthshire Women

Seven try Perthshire open Plate campaign with strong performance on the road.

Perthshire women travelled to Turriff for their first ever match in the National Plate competition. The long bus trip didn’t stop Perthshire from starting brightly, dominating the first 2 minutes with some controlled phase play, finished by a dive over the line from Fiona Gordon. The try was converted by Sarah Blackwood.

A few minutes later, Perthshire made a good break up the right wing, but the ball was lost in contact and Turriff exploited the broken play and scored their first try of the day.

Perthshire’s next two tries both came from sustained pressure, with some good handling by backs and forwards, to be well finished off with some determined running by Lydia McGinley. Perthshire continued their positive play and were rewarded again when Alex Ward used some excellent footwork to beat the defence for a fourth try.

Late in the first half, Lydia was able to keep a clearing penalty kick infield and after some effective offloads and rucks, Heather McKenzie stormed over for a fifth try. Turriff finished the half with a well worked try of their own, taking the half time score to 12-27.

The start of the second half was very evenly contested, but a sharp piece of work from Paula Watson (making a welcome return after a broken arm) 5 metres from the Perthshire goal line allowed Chloe Bennett to make a great break all the way to cross the opposite try line. This sixth try was successfully converted by Sarah.

Turriff put ‘Shire under pressure during the next few minutes and an untidy defensive lineout allowed them to touch down for their third try. Turriff continued to battle hard but some determined defence from ‘Shire kept up the pressure.

A scrum inside the Turriff 22 was taken against the head by Sarah. Heather picked up at number 8 and made a good break. The recycled ball was passed out to Lydia who scored her third try of the day taking the final score to 17-39, an excellent win on the road.

We look forward to playing Moray in our next match at the North Inch on Sunday 17th February with a 2pm kick-off. All welcome to cheer the women on along in the Plat campaign. We wish Turriff well for the rest of their season.

Photos taken from Gareth The Photographer.

Second Place in First Season

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Perthshire Women 15 – 37 Kirkcaldy

First league campaign over, with a second place finish.

A busy, blustery day on the Inch saw the Women take to the new riverside pitch for their final league game of the season. Injuries and work commitments meant that the side was a little short of experience in certain areas.

Perthshire played with the wind in the first half but Kirkcaldy started the better with a well worked try. They doubled their score with a good break, despite a try saving tackle from Chloe Bennett supporting players were on hand to take the offload and touch down.

Paige Klinkman, who had a fantastic game, put in her own goal line tackle which prevented a third try. Perthshire started to use the wind to their advantage and after a good long kick by Anna Davies and a great chase, there was a period of sustained pressure which resulted in a try for Chloe Bennett.

Despite some more excellent tackles by Paige and Fiona Gordon, Kirkcaldy scored a third try before half time, 5-15.

The teams exchanged scores just after the interval, with Paige making a great break to score her first try for the club. Perthshire’s third try was a thing of beauty with Lydia McGinley touching down after some accurate and dynamic handling. This brought the score to 15-20.

Injuries and enforced changes began to take their toll and Kirkcaldy scored 3 tries in the last quarter to take a well deserved win 15-37. Nevertheless, this game ends what has been a very encouraging league campaign with 6 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw; resulting in a second placed finish.

The Women now move on the National Plate competition, with an away trip to Turriff to open the competition on Sunday 4th February, and we wish Kirkcaldy well for the rest of their season.

Photos taken by Peter Wilkinson.

Mud, Toil and Cheers

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Lismore 3 – 7 Perthshire Women 

Perthshire secure hard-fought victory against Lismore in Edinburgh showdown.

In an exciting clash between Perthshire and Lismore, the Perthshire Women’s rugby team secured a hard-fought victory in an away game at the Edinburgh Rugby Ground on Sunday. The match kicked off at 2:00 PM with both teams showcasing their skills in a tough and balanced encounter. The defensive efforts from both sides were commendable, making it a challenging contest for each inch of the field.

Despite numerous attacking opportunities and some strong carries from Perthshire forwards Jess Steele, Claire Rae and Zoe Fummey neither team managed to break through the solid defensive lines.

As the first half progressed, the tension on the field increased and Perthshire ratcheted up their presence in the Lismore 22. In a pivotal moment, Lismore capitalised on a penalty kick, securing three points and taking the lead. The half-time score stood at 3-0, with Lismore holding a narrow advantage.

The second half continued with relentless determination from both Perthshire and Lismore. The battle in the scrums and lineouts intensified, as the pitch conditions deteriorated. Superb defensive tackling from Perthshire’s number 2, Zoe Fummey, earned her the forward of the match accolade and as the clock ticked down and the pressure mounted, Perthshire found themselves in a challenging position.

However, the team demonstrated resilience and tenacity, refusing to concede defeat. In the dying moments of the game, Perthshire executed a brilliant play off their scrum on the Lismore 10m line that culminated in a spectacular try. A pick and go from the number 8 position started a real team try with an excellent pass from Cheryl Ramsay to captain Alex Ward, who went over for the only try of the game.

The crowd erupted in cheers as Perthshire scored to win the match in the last play of the match. The subsequent conversion was successful, adding the crucial extra two points. The final whistle blew with Perthshire securing a dramatic 7-3 victory over Lismore.

Perthshire FOTM: Zoe Fummey
Perthshire BOTM: Chloe Bennett

George Clunie 1939-2024

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Club Statement to Members & Supporters

It is with sadness, that we announce the unexpected passing of George Clunie on January 10, 2024.

George was a huge supporter of rugby and especially of the 1st XV team where he rightly proclaimed himself “biggest supporter.” He rarely missed a match, either home or away, often being the sole supporter traveling with the team on the bus. He would often watch the 2nd XV team and hoped to see the players here flourish as the Men’s squad moved forward. He also held the self-proclaimed title of the oldest Match Fixture and Referee Secretary.

Ever keen and brutally honest, his “words of wisdom” were worth listening to. He was optimistic and in praise of the 1st XV team following recent performances against Ross High & Whitecraigs; even complementing on the their tackling (which was the first time in years!).
Perthshire Rugby extends heartfelt condolences to Jenny, the family, and those close to George during this difficult time.

For now, remember George for who he was: a resolute & committed friend, and unwavering supporter of Perthshire Rugby.

Here’s to George – another whisky in his honour.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday 31st January 11.30am, Perth Crematorium.
Buffet to follow at Huntingtower Hotel afterwards.
To help the family with the numbers for the buffet, can PRFC members please let a committee member or Ewan MacKessack-Leitch know.

Out of Position? No Problem!

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Leith  Women 19 – 36 Perthshire Women

Players adapt in re-jigged line up to dismisseth Leith.

The rain finally stopped for long enough to allow this much postponed fixture to go ahead on a sunny Edinburgh afternoon. Perthshire fielded a new look squad with 6 players starting out of position due to injuries, illness and unavailability. The team started brightly, an early turnover and some slick team play, including 3 offloads, allowed Becca Carrol to score on her senior debut. Soon after, a penalty was won close to the Leith goal line and Alex Ward took a quick tap and went over for the second try.

Leith’s first try also came from a turnover and they worked it out wide to their winger who went over in the corner.

After around 30 minutes Anna Davies was lost to injury. Chloe Bennett did a great job of covering scrum half for the rest of the match and Paige Klinkman came on to play centre for the first time, coping brilliantly with the challenge.

Just before half time, Heather McKenzie effected another great turnover and ran 60 metres, breaking multiple tackles, to score. Sarah Blackwood converted to make the HT score 5-17.

Leith started the second half well. A fantastic kick pass from their talented stand off was picked up well by their winger, but she was tackled brilliantly into touch in the corner by Lydia McGinley.

After a couple of clearing kicks by Sarah, Heather M collected lineout ball on the Perthshire 22, ran around 70 metres this time but was tackled just short of the line. Two successful rucks followed and Alex went over for her second try which was converted by Sarah.

Another try came from the new Alex/Heather M lineout combo, followed by some more efficient ruck ball and Heather M went over for her second try which was converted by Alex.

Perthshire’s final try was a real team affair, started by a strong run by Paige, through at least 5 pairs of hands and with a strong finish from Heather Kirkman.

With a small squad, Perthshire started to tire and despite some determined goal line defence, Leith scored two well worked converted tries in the closing minutes.

A great performance that demonstrated real team spirit. The first part of the season completed and the Women are in 2nd place in Caledonia Midlands/East Region League 2. This will split with the remaining matches to be contested for the League title.

With thanks to Leith for their hospitality and we wish them well for the rest of their season.

Photographs taken from Rugby People.

Flurry in a Hurry

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RVDC Ladies 26 – 98 Perthshire Women

Try heavy second half sees ‘Shire pull away and rack up a big score.

Due to a mixture of rest weeks and adverse weather conditions, Perthshire’s Women returned to competitive rugby after a 4 week break. This time playing away to Royal Dick Veterinary College Ladies RFC. The team was eager to continue their good run of form having only lost one fixture from six in their first season playing competitive league rugby. The weather in Edinburgh presenting good conditions for some flowing rugby, the Senior Women warmed up well before kick-off at 2pm.

From the get-go the ‘Shire played with structure. The forwards dominating and offloading well up the middle of the park. A back’s move was called which resulted in winger Emily Copas going through to get the first points on the board. Co-Captain Alex Ward cut through the enemy defence shortly with Sarah Blackwood successfully converting to make it 0-12.

Successive tries by fellow Co-Captain Heather McKenzie, as well as scrum half Anna Davies, took the ‘Shire Women to 0-27 after 20 minutes.

A young RDVC team, unable to penetrate the more physical Perthshire defence, managed to find space on the wing to get their first try of the match. Holes began to appear in the Perthshire line with RDVC scoring a further two tries which were all successfully converted bringing the score to 21-27 at half time.

At the break Coaches Arran Sheach and Rhys Darlington instructed the players that their defensive effort is where the game would be won. Once they could fix this issue, the rest would come.

Veteran Prop Fiona Gordon returning from injury, for the first time this season, joined the field as well as Zoe Fummey at openside flanker. Their presence was immediately felt with strong carries and hard tackling. Successive impactful carries from the base of the scrum lead to Co-Captain Heather McKenzie adding 3 more tries to her tally. With the defensive issues fixed, the backs were able to play a wider more open game resulting in a number of tries from Fly Half Chloe Bennett. All successfully converted to make it 21-44.

Due to injuries RDVC were reduced to 14 with Perthshire in good spirits, matching their numbers. Further strong carries from the forwards continued to allow Perthshire to advance up the pitch. Heather McKenzie not content with the 4 tries she already scored, decided to add an additional 4 tries to her tally in quick succession, to cement her place as the Player of the Match.

Strong carries by new winger Rhianna Lindridge and experienced centre Heather Kirkman created space which fullback Lydia McGinley took advantage of, putting Chloe Bennett into space on the wing for her 2nd and 3rd tries.

A 4th try by RDVC gave them a consolatory bonus point which for all their efforts felt deserved. After what felt like a long 80 minutes with each player leaving everything on the pitch, the ‘Shire women finished the day at 26-98 denied the tonne at the death.

The Women have their final league game away to Leith RFC this Sunday. After which the league will split in two with Perthshire already having secured their spot in the upper half.

Winning in the Rain

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Bannockburn Valkyries 12 – 15 Perthshire Women

Perthshire rally to regain lead in final play.

Perthshire made the short trip down the A9 under heavy skies and the threat of torrential rain – a huge difference to the warm, sunny conditions experienced so far this season.

The game kicked off with uncontested scrums from the start at the request of Bannockburn. With one new start in the Perthshire front five too, both teams were able to focus on other areas of the game.

The first 25 minutes were very close with effective attacks and excellent defence from both teams. Perthshire had been focusing on counter rucks in training and this contributed to the first score with a turnover by Kirsty Binnie leading to a try from Heather McKenzie. The first half ended with some sustained pressure from Bannockburn who were unlucky to miss out on two scoring opportunities due to knock-ons in goal.

Halftime 0-5

The start of the second half was also closely contested, but Bannockburn took the lead with a try and conversion. They scored a second after a tap penalty and some good handling.

Perthshire really started to take control of the play and scored next. Rihanna Lindridge, making her debut, got the pass away. The ball was moved nicely along the line to Cathy Lambie who scored on the wing. It was all pressure from Perthshire in the closing minutes, and with an attacking scrum, Heather M picked up from No. 8 and scored in the corner to take the score to 12-15 in the final play. We love it when a plan comes together….

An excellent game for both sides and thanks to Bannockburn for their hospitality afterwards for Scotland v Tonga. We wish them well for the rest of their season.

Forward of the Match – Claire Rae
Back of the Match – Eilidh Paterson
Player of the Match – Alex Ward

The team have a break this weekend before a Leith visit the North Inch on Sunday 8th October for the last match before the league split is confirmed. Perthshire have already secured their place in the top half of the draw, currently sitting second in the table.

Hard Fought Battle in Fife

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Kirkcaldy 36 – 36 Perthshire Women

All square as Kirkcaldy rally to save it in 79th minute.

Perthshire Women headed out for their 4th league game of the season on the back of a convincing win against Dundee Valkyries. This was Perthshire Women’s first away game of the season to Kirkcaldy Rugby Football Club. Heading to Fife with a full squad, a mixture of experienced and new players and also some experienced first-time players for the club, lead to great enthusiasm within the squad. The coaches were looking for consistency of approach from the women with heads up rugby emphasised.

Kirkcaldy unfortunately were reduced in numbers so Perthshire matched and played Game On rules with 14 players.

Under coaches’ instructions, Perthshire started very strongly with a try from the kick off and a full length pitch run by resident number 8 and scorer Heather McKenzie.

Kirkcaldy, with several team members playing out of position, opened up their scoring shortly after with a well wrestled run through heavy defence from Perthshire, up the middle of the park. Despite excellent tackling from Alex Ward and Lydia McGinley, Kirkcaldy went over the line for the second time.

Great carries off the ball from Alex W, Lydia M and Claire Rae, who was just returning from injury, put Perthshire back into Kirkcaldy’s half. An injury to a Kirkcaldy player reduced them to 13 so Lynne Stewart our stalwart prop joined the bench for a breather to even up numbers.

Newcomer’s to Perthshire, Ruth Morgan and Alix Morland, found themselves contributing very strongly in the scrum, with some fabulous breaks and resolute defence. A great break from Ruth and carry from Heather Kirkman in the centre, with good offload produced a passage of excellent play. This strong passage of play in Kirkcaldy’s half continued with a stolen line out, the forwards securing the ball seeing Heather M go over for her 2nd try. Alex lined up for the second time in front of the posts successfully slotting it over.

Lynne returned to the pitch as Kirkcaldy regained their players however, no complacency amongst the Perthshire ladies as a kick to touch by Kirkcaldy is short. A pick and go from Lydia with the successful offload to Alex allowed her to sprint 60 metres up the pitch just being caught at the 5m line. The ball was unfortunately knocked forward as the offload went to Alix who had been in pursuit the whole way.

A determined scrum from Perthshire followed and a pick and go from Heather offloading to Lydia who found her boot with a chip and chase. A passage of play from both teams resulted in Alex intercepting a pass to go over for her 2nd try.

Further pressure at the scrum from Anna Davies, resulted in backs play and a chip up field, with a great gain line break from Becky Hunter. As the clock ticked towards half time Alex, Heather K and Emily Tait continued to romp up the pitch taking Perthshire back into Kirkcaldy’s 22. Kirkcaldy secured a line out following a penalty which was stolen by Perthshire. Perthshire have worked extremely hard on ball retention and presentation and this was evident in the play by Emily as Perthshire go over the line again one minute before half time.

Half time the assistant coaches Arran, Rhys & Ross, in Iona’s absence, reinforced the heads up rugby and continuance of the positive tackling. Changes were made in the scrum with Cheryl Ramsay moving into 2nd row and Claire taking a well earned rest.

Second half started strong for Perthshire with some great runs by Ruth and Alex breaking the gain line. An off-the-training-field pressure move from Emily awarded Perthshire another scrum. Perthshire however just couldn’t seem to capitalise.

The forwards continued to provide solid scrums for Anna Davies to distribute excellent ball to the backs but pressure from Kirkcaldy was forcing errors. Perthshire kept their discipline and continued to work hard with amazing tackles from both Sophie Denwette and Paige Klinkman who joined the from the bench.

Kirkcaldy were out to bring the game into their half of the pitch and ensured Perthshire were feeling the pressure. Forwards playing in their backs was starting to take its toll on the defensive game and they crept into Perthshire’s 22. Great defence from Anna, Heather K and Danni Henderson wasn’t enough to hold Kirkcaldy back from the line.

Kirkcaldy continued their pressure right to the full-time whistle to go over at 79 minutes levelling the score at 36-36.

The Perthshire team left the pitch feeling disappointed. For this team’s first year in the league, playing against a seasoned league team, Perthshire should be extremely proud of the performance they showed, grit and determination right to the final whistle.

Forward of the Match – Ruth Morgan
Back of the Match – Lydia McGinley
Player of the Match – Heather McKenzie

Onwards and upwards to Bannockburn next week!

Super ‘Shire in the Sunshine

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Perthshire Women 46 – 5 Dundee Valkyries 2XV

New players shine in 8 try triumph.

It was another warm afternoon on the North Inch and ‘Shire started brightly, a recurring theme so far this season. Some strong carries from Heather McKenzie and a speedy break from Chloe Bennett resulted in a lovely try from Kesia Chipakupaku in her first start.

Ellie Jo Simpson started her first senior match as she meant to go on, an excellent tackle and an effective support line in support of Alex Ward resulting in her first senior try. Perthshire had a period of pressure resulting in an attacking scrum. Heather M picked up at 8, offloaded to Anna Davies (who had a fantastic game) and she then passed to Alex who went over for the third try.

The fourth came from another great tackle by Ellie, turnover from Alex and some lovely support from Chloe. Alex converted to take the half time score to 22-0.

The second half play was equally positive. Perthshire’s fifth try came from some good use of the blind side by Chloe, Heather Kirkman, Ellie and Lydia McGinley who was tackled just short. Heather M was on hand to pick up and finish the score. Ellie then sprinted 70 metres to claim Perthshire’s sixth try, which was converted by Alex.

Lydia joined the scorers after receiving a goal line drop out and powering through the defence, leaving tacklers in her wake. Dundee responded through their left winger who scored a nice try following a tap penalty from close range.

The final try, to the delight of the home crowd, was again a team affair finished by Lydia and converted by Alex. Those spectators were then treated to a determined try saving tackle from Chloe after a line break from a Dundee, in one of the last plays of the game.

All in all, another fantastic team performance and some encouraging play from our very new players Kesia, Sophie, Colleen and Cheryl. There are some specifics to work on in training before next week’s trip to Kirkcaldy.

We wish Dundee all the best for the rest of their season.

Photographs taken by Football East Region.