Tough Day but Strong Resolve
Strathmore 2XV 72 – 22 Perthshire Eagles
Try bonus reward for sustained effort.
The Eagles travelled to Inchmacoble Park with a depleted squad. Strathmore, who’s 1XV did not have a fixture, had a full 22 so agreed to share some players to get the match played on the main pitch in front of a reasonable crowd.
The warm-up was short and brief with the reinforcements arriving minutes before kick-off. Inevitably it took some time for the Eagles to settle into some structure by which time Strathmore had run in a few tries.
Working together better in defence, the Eagles were starting to challenge the Home team. Rab Pittendreigh spotted the opportunity for an interception and raced half the pitch to score under the posts then converted his own try.
Strathmore hit back a couple more times but solid tackles from Jasper Dimeck and Jake Cargill were chopping them down and giving the Eagles chances to steal, which Callum Coutts did with ruthlessness. A kick over the top put Strathmore in all sorts of bother, the defensive pressure forced the ball carrier over his own line. He bizarrely when caught tried to offload but threw the ball into the arms of Jasper Dimeck who immediately grounded the ball for a try.
Incensed Strathmore tried to hit back but the defence held, Mika Gratzke and Angus Macpherson putting the in momentum blunting tackles. The home team were not as happy under pressure now and Alec Watson seized the moment as Strathmore tried to throw the ball around to find the gaps. Taking an interception he bounded forward deep into the opposition half before getting stopped. On the front foot ‘Shire took a few more carries before Jonny Armitt, in Black & White once more, crossed the line.
The half ended soon after, and despite the 39-17 scoreline the Eagles knew one more try would earn a bonus point and there was still a target to play for.
The next 10 minute were pretty even as ‘Shire held their own. Injuries to Jake Cargill and then Callum Coutts weakened the team and Strathmore went the distance a few more times. However, Colin Smith & Cammy Mckay acting as last line of defence made them work hard for these scores. Undeterred ‘Shire continued to fight on, Mark Morgan using his nous at the lineouts to keep these safe despite losing the main thrower.
A couple more quick run-ins came for Strathmore and it looked like fatigue was getting the better of ‘Shire as a few chances in the 22 were lost due to a lack of supporting players. Eventually though as full time beckoned ‘Shire won a penalty in the 22 and tapped & went. Held out, but illegally, a quick tap did the job as Jonny Armitt crossed to secure the try bonus point in the final play.
A tough shift but the players stuck in and gave 100%. Thanks to Mika Gratkze, Michael Clarke and Alec Watson for coming out to help the team and well done to Cammy Mckay making his Perthshire debut on the wing.
Due to 6 Nations and the Midlands Bowl there is now a gap of 5 weeks until the Eagles’ next match, away at Waid FP on 23rd March. Plenty time for the guys to get to training and make sure to end the season positively.
The 1XV were also in action away at North Berwick. Taking an early lead, after Simon McGarry charged down a clearance kick then dived on it as it crossed the line, the Eagles then never really got into their stride. North Berwick patiently working to score then extend their lead.
In the second half a scrum penalty try gave the visitors hope but it was too little too late as ‘Shire went down 35-14. This result confirms Perthshire will finish in the bottom 3 team of National 4 and be relegated to the Regional Leagues next season.
Still pride to play for, the next match is at home on 2nd March with a 2pm kick-off against Greenock Wanderers. Come down to support the guys as they look to end the season well, creating the optimism & momentum for a swift return to National Leagues.
Photographs taken by Peter Wilkinson.
