Tag Archive for: Women’s Rugby

Invitation to the Perthshire End of Season Awards Dinner

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Tickets on sale NOW!

The 2021-22 season has nearly concluded, what a year of ups & downs on & off the pitch. To celebrate all players, coaches, parents, members and supporters are invited to the annual Awards Dinner. Its an evening not to missed with 12 awards to be announced and presented on the night across the whole Perthshire Rugby Club.

Look out for the nominations being announced over the coming weeks on the website and social media.

It will be held in the Salutation Hotel, 34 South Street, Perth on Friday 27th May 2022. Arriving from 7pm to be seated by 7:30pm.

Tickets at £40 per head, can be obtained via the Club webshop and tables will seat 8 people. Alternatively, they can be bought in cash given to the Club Captain Ewan MacKessack-Leitch. Closing date for ticket sales is 16th May.

Concessions and Colts can claim a £10 discount off their ticket. As a thank you for all your hard work over the season Club coaches can claim this discount. Please ask your Section Head for the discount code for the webshop.

The menu will be: Lentil soup (v); Roast sirloin of Scottish beef, red wine gravy with vegetables and potatoes; Sticky toffee pudding; Tea or coffee with dark chocolate mints. To advise of preferred table seating and dietary requirements (vegetarian/vegan alternative available) please write in the “Order Notes.” All other queries please e-mail: clubcaptain@perthshire-rfc.co.uk

Discounted room rates for guests will be available from the Salutation Hotel. Details to follow.

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

 

Invitation to the Perthshire Christmas Party

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11th December 6:30pm for 7pm at the Station Hotel, Perth.

All members and supporters are invited to join the Perthshire Rugby Christmas Party on 11th December. A 3 course meal, DJ, dancefloor, raffle and maybe a game or two – come and join the fun!

Tickets at £38 per head, can be obtained via the Club webshop (individual or a table of 8). Alternatively, they can be bought in cash given to the Club Captain Ewan MacKessack-Leitch. Closing date for ticket sales is Thursday 2nd December. The dress code is formal black tie attire.

The menu for the evening is below and you will be asked to pre-order your choices (please advise of any dietary requirements):

Starter
• Ham hock pickled carrots and wholegrain mustard terrine
• Salt cod fritters served with pil-pil sauce
• Emmental and caramelized onion quiche
Main
• Duck leg confit served with fondant potatoes, sweet pot puree and red berries jam
• Smoked salmon and sea food risotto
• Beetroot and goat cheese tortellini served with green pea velouté
Dessert
• Ruby chocolate fondant served with vanilla ice cream
• Spiced apple tart served with maple walnut ice cream
• Blackberry and yoghurt panna cotta served with chocolate mouse

That Saturday there are 2 homes fixtures for the Seniors the 1XV v Berwick and the 2XV v Montrose, why not make a day of it? Watch the matches, join the fun in the Bowling Club afterwards and then celebrate Christmas in style at the Station Hotel.

The Station Hotel are offering a special rates for rooms on a bed & breakfast basis for us that night:
 • Single room £60 per room per night
 • Double/twin room £75 per room per night
 • Book by e-mail events@perthstationhotel.co.uk quoting HLAC-071021.
Station Hotel accommodation is closed for 3 months so rooms cannot be booked.

Level 4 Return to Rugby at Perthshire

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Training resumes on the North Inch from Saturday 20th March.

New Scottish Rugby guidance was published last week which paves the way for limited training to start again this weekend! Team managers and coaches will be in contact to confirm the training time(s) and pitch location for each team.

There are some rule changes that can be seen in the graphic, a summary are below. Otherwise it will be similar to before: hand sanitiser, equipment cleaning, pre-registration, Symptom Checker, Check-In/Out, no congregating, arrive & leave promptly. Remember the EAGLES Rules!

Children ages 11 & under:
• Touch Rugby (all formats).
• Maximum 30 people, in a bubble this including coaches.
• Coaches must remain physically distanced from all players & other coaches.
• Balls can be used (cleaned/sanitised before and after use).
• Max 1 parent/guardian can stay to observe their child train – they must maintain physical distancing at all times.
• Please note any child in P7 who is aged 12 cannot take part in this level of training.

Youth & Adult (ages 12 & over)
• Physically distanced non-contact rugby can resume.
• Non-contact does NOT allow touch rugby.
• Players and coaches must always stay >2m apart.
• Up to 15 people in a bubble, including coaches.
• Balls may be used and shared, hand hygiene and ball cleaning essential.
• No other equipment permitted.
• Max 1 parent/guardian can stay to observe their child train – they must maintain physical distancing at all times.

The Sports-Train App is essential for training to be safe & compliant with the guidelines. So please can all members check they can login to Sports-Train? If you have lost your login or are having issues DO NOT SET UP A NEW ACCOUNT instead e-mail clubcaptain@perthshire-rfc.co.uk

Everyone at the Club can play their part to create a COVID-19 safe and enjoyable return to rugby. It has been some time since last trained together so make the most of it and don’t forget to have fun! Any questions can be directed to your Team Manager, COVID-19 Team Lead or Coaches. The Club COVID-19 Safety Co-ordinator is Ewan MacKessack-Leitch.

New players welcome too! Senior men please contact Head Coach Alan Clark, for all other sections contact Director of Rugby Sam Mountain.

For a more in-depth account of the COVID-19 policies & procedures a full range of resources, risk assessments and protocols (aimed at the Team Leads but feel free to browse) are available on the COVID-19 page.

Follow “E A G L E S” Every Training Session

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To keep training COVID-19 safe remember to follow E A G L E S.

Dear Perthshire Rugby players, parents and coaches,

We have been back training on the North Inch for 12 weeks under the new COVID-19 rules. It has been great to see so many keen players having fun and taking part in a COVID-19 safe manner, following the procedures & guidance in place since August. However, “complacency is the enemy of success” so please, as the virus is spreading again, we must keep up the good work.

It has been brought to my attention there have recently been some lapses, so to keep us right here are the EAGLES rules:

  • EVERY player must pre-book for training and arrive on time.
  • AVOID training if you or anyone in your household has symptoms or you have been told to self-isolate.
  • GO straight to your pitch for Check in on the App.
  • LEAVE immediately after Check-out from training, exit the pitch, no congregating and keep 2m distance from other households.
  • EACH child may only have 1 parent down to watch training who MUST stay off the pitch and keep 2m distance from all other parents.
  • SOCIAL distancing of 2m when not taking part in training.

Thank you for your co-operation and compliance with EAGLES. We can only continue if we create a safe environment for training. Do not get upset if someone else from the Club reminds you of EAGLES, we are in this together and ultimately we must keep to these rules to allow training to continue safely.

Yours sincerely,

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

For a more in-depth account of the COVID-19 policies & procedures a full range of resources, risk assessments and protocols (aimed at the Team Leads but feel free to browse) are available on the COVID-19 page.

Instructions for Players as Training Returns to Perthshire

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A simple guide to follow to be ready for the return of rugby on the North Inch.

Stage 3 outdoor training is now permitted for all sections of the Club. Most teams have had one run out already, following feedback from that, here are instructions so training is COVID-19 safe and runs smoothly.

We are using the Sports-Train App for managing training. You must have this installed and be registered with your team. The correct team code can be obtained from your Team Lead. For instructions on setting up your account and registering child players see: https://sports-train.com/return-to-play.php

If you haven’t already done so the Scottish Rugby e-learning course is highly recommended.

This is a video walk-through of what to do and expect for every Stage 3 training session, each of the steps are listed below.

Please note players are allocated to a training “bubble” of a maximum of 15 people. Throughout Stage 3 players should only train with others from the same bubble.

Before Training

  • Every bubble has a designated time and pitch to train on. Know which bubble you are in and where you will be training.
  • Only confirm attendance for sessions of your bubble. On the parent App these are marked as a “reserved” place.
  • On the day you must have completed the COVID-19 Symptom checker and show no symptoms.
  • If you have any of the symptoms then you cannot train, instead you should self-isolate and request a coronavirus test immediately by visiting www.NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect

Check-in to Training

  • Come to training already changed and bring your own water bottle.
  • Bell’s is closed so there is no access to changing rooms or toilets.
  • Have your phone available (or parent to attend with phone) so that if there are errors on the App these can be corrected.
  • Arrive no more than 5 minutes before your session starts.
  • Go straight to your pitch and the check-in station.
  • The Coach/Team Lead will check you in using the App and give you some hand sanitiser.
  • Please DO NOT CHECK-IN YOURSELF on the App, this must be done at pitch side by the Coach/Team Lead.
  • Put your water bottle and any other kit (this should be minimal) at one of the cones on the top right side of the pitch.

During Training

  • Before & after breaks leave the active area at the middle right where the sanitising station is.
  • Always use the alcohol gel as you leave and enter the active area.
  • Do not share water bottles.
  • Social distancing of 2m must be maintained when not actively training.

Check-out of Training

  • Once the session is over collect your water bottle & kit.
  • The Coach/Team Lead will check you out on the App and give you some hand sanitiser.
  • Please DO NOT CHECK-OUT YOURSELF on the App, this must be done at pitch side by the Coach/Team Lead.
  • Exit immediately down the right side of the pitch.
  • Head straight home, do not congregate around the North Inch.

There are 2 hard rules, don’t get caught out!
1. Symptom check must be green (negative) or you cannot train.
2. No registration – no participation.

Everyone at the Club can play their part to create a COVID-19 safe and enjoyable return to rugby. It has been a long time since we were last allowed to train together so make the most of it and don’t forget to have fun! Any questions can be directed to your Team Manager, COVID-19 Team Lead or Coaches. The Club COVID-19 Safety Co-ordinator is Ewan MacKessack-Leitch.

New players welcome too! Senior men please contact Head Coach Alan Clark, for all other sections contact Director of Rugby Sam Mountain.

For a more in-depth account of the COVID-19 policies & procedures a full range of resources, risk assessments and protocols (aimed at the Team Leads but feel free to browse) are available on the COVID-19 page.

Return to Rugby Stage 3 Update

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COVID-19 Safe Training on the North Inch soon!

Perthshire Rugby would like to advise all members, players, parents and coaches that the next stage of the COVID-19 Return to Rugby plan is nearly ready to go. Almost every team has a COVID-19 Team Lead in place to work with the COVID-19 Safety Coordinator and this week the Club will be organising a training schedule for the duration of SRU Stage 3. These sessions are limited to 15 players maximum and every player will be placed into a “training bubble” who they will ideally train with each session for the entirety of Stage 3.

In due course players (& parents where appropriate) will be contacted by their Team Lead with a code to register for the Sports-Train App. This platform will handle all pre-registration, check-in/check-out and COVID-19 screening for every training session.

What can you do to be ready? Please watch this video from the SRU showing the Stage 3 training regulations and, if not already completed, the online e-learning course is compulsory for coaches and highly recommended for all players/parents.

Thank you for reading and getting excited about the return to rugby at Perthshire. The planned (but not confirmed) date for resuming Mini & Midi training is weekend 15/16th August. Your Team Lead will advise you once training sessions are organised to book on to. It will take time to get used to the new way of working and there will be regular communications from the Club and your Coaches. There may be delays or changes, we’re doing our best to get there as quickly and safely as possible.

Any questions or ideas contact Makka: clubcaptain@perthshire-rfc.co.uk

Return to Rugby at Perthshire RFC

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COVID-19 Safety Coordinator appointed and Club working to resume training once safe.

The SRU in conjunction with the Scottish Government recently published the Return to Rugby Roadmap. This details 6 Stages with indicative dates for the resumption of training then playing competitive rugby. There is a long uncertain road to travel until that point but, be assured, at Perthshire Rugby we are taking the necessary steps to get back as safely and effectively as possible.

Club Captain Ewan “Macka” MacKessack-Leitch has been appointed as our COVID-19 Safety Coordinator. This role is to “oversee the public health and safety measures across the club, ensuring that the club is operating in a safe manner and adheres to Scottish Government and SRU guidelines.”

An Action Plan has been developed following risk assessments, SRU guidance and input from across the Club. This will be a whole Club effort, every team will appoint a COVID-19 Team Lead to work with Macka to monitor and ensure compliance with COVID-19 safety procedures & protocols within their team/group.

Rugby is coming back to the North Inch! It will be different and take a bit more time until the necessary precautions and safeguards are in place, but we will be there soon. Your Team Managers or Section Heads will be in touch regarding the return to training – each will be working to their own timescale.

For more information, all guidance and recordings of training webinars are available and regularly updated on the SRU Return to Rugby site.

If you have any concerns, offers of help or advice around COVID-19; Macka would be very pleased to hear from you e-mail: clubcaptain@perthshire-rfc.co.uk

Perthshire Gather Online to Look Back over 2019-20 Season

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(The evening condensed into only 12 minutes!)

Congratulations to the awards winners and thank you to all who took part!

The evening Friday 29th May saw the Perthshire family dress up smartly and come together online via Zoom for the Annual Awards Night. The COVID-19 pandemic stopped the Club meeting up as normal but all assembled were determined to enjoy the celebration of the past season.

Before the event kicked-off, Jeremy Wares had led the online Cook Along Live where many of the Perthshire members, following his instructions, cooked a 3 course meal to enjoy prior to the main event. The award for best Tarte Tatin went to Dave Lewis, wooden spoon winner Andy Cummins was not impressed.

At 7:30pm Club Captain Ewan “MacKer” MacKessack-Leitch, who compered the evening, welcomed the over 80 households who had signed in to the Zoom call. After a quick reminder of the nominations and a game of “heads & tails,” that sort of worked, the Club Captain’s Toast to Perthshire was played out.

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Then it was time to start the awards. First up Arran Whittle won Colt’s Player of the Year for this ever-improving form which also saw him debut in the 2XV this season. Following that James Mair retained the Young Player of the Year award which he won last year, as he again improved stepping up to make the No. 8 shirt his own. Another person retaining their title from last year was Alasdair Nisbet who collected the Men’s Most Improved Player as he becomes a real force to be reckoned with in the front row.

After a year of phenomenal efforts and encouragements on & off the pitch Chris Wallace was rewarded with the 2XV Player of the Year trophy. James Mair was then back in the spotlight, as he saw off the competition to win the vote to be Men’s Players’ Player of the Year.

New awards this year were presented to the Women’s Section and Lynn Robertson picked up the Women’s Most Improved Player in her debut season where she has gained in confidence & ability on the pitch. The Women’s Players’ Player of the Year was a tightly contested affair, but the votes fell in favour of Lynne Stewart who has been an inspiration to many of her fellow teammates.

The moment for the big awards of the night arrived. The P6s won Mini Team of the Year in recognition of the amazing effort to win the Land Rover Rugby Tour 2020 Festival at Cardiff Arms Park. Sarah Hogwood was crowned Women’s Player of the Year and Mathew “Biebs” Rae won 1XV Player of the Year; both played on the front foot all season and led by example to their teammates and justly deserved the awards. Team of the Year went to the U16s for their big achievement finishing 2nd in the Shogun Conference and the representative honours for Caledonia, Glasgow Warriors & Scotland some of their players achieved.

Finally, following a difficult year for the Club both on & off the pitch, the Club Person of the Year was awarded to John McLaughlin. As Club President he has been there throughout: supporting the 1XV on match days when results have been poor, working behind the scenes and entertaining sponsors in the Clubhouse, as well as ably helping the Club following the sad losses of both Granny G and Adam Pattinson.

A Boat Race time trial was held and you’ll have to watch the highlights video (top of the page) to find out who won!
Throughout the evening reports of the activities from each section were given either as videos or speeches from that section. The Mini & Midi season review videos can be seen at the bottom of the page.

Full List of Award Winners:

Senior Section
Colts’ Player of the Year: Arran Whittle
Young Player of the Year: James Mair
Most Improved Player: Alasdair Nisbet
2XV Player of the Year: Chris Wallace
Players’ Player of the Year: James Mair
Player of the Year: Mat Rae

Women’s Section
Most Improved Player: Lynn Robertson
Players’ Player of the Year: Lynne Stewart
Player of the Year: Sarah Hogwood

Whole Club
Mini Team of the Year: P6
Team of the Year: U16
Club Person of the Year: John McLaughlin

Perthshire Rugby Awards 2020

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UPDATE:
An alternative online interactive event is being held on Friday 29th May at 7:30pm instead. Login details will be sent out via section heads. Please note formal attire still expected (at least what can be seen on camera).

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Rugby stopped abruptly earlier this year but there is still lots to celebrate from the 2019-20 season.
The last season has been testing on & off the rugby pitch for Perthshire. Our Club values of Sportsmanship, Pride, Respect and Inclusion have shone through and brought some success. Now is the time to look back and recognise some of the players, teams, supporters and members who have excelled this last year.
The nominations for this years’ awards are:
Senior Section
Colts’ Player of the Year:
Adam Mellis, Aedan Milne, Arran Whittle
Young Player of the Year:
James Mair, Alasdair Nisbet, Kieran Ramsay
Most Improved Player:
Andrew Jack, Jack McIntosh, Alasdair Nisbet
2XV Player of the Year:
Rabson Chipakupaku, Rhys Darlington, Chris Wallace
Players’ Player of the Year:
Ewen MacDonald, James Mair, Mat Rae
Player of the Year:
Ross Angus, James Mair, Mat Rae

Women’s Section
Most Improved Player:
Lydia McGinley, Suzanne Rennie, Lynn Robertson
Players’ Player of the Year:
Lydia McGinley, Lynne Stewart, Paula Watson
Player of the Year:
Sarah Hogwood, Heather Kirkman, Lydia McGinley

Whole Club
Mini Team of the Year:
P5, P6, P7
Team of the Year:
U13, U16, Women
Club Person of the Year:
To be announced on the night

Well done to all those nominated.