Another Clean Sheet for Blair'

Saturday 10 Nov 07, Blairgowrie RFC played hosts to Panmure RFC who were coming to the J J Coupar Park currently sitting in second position just behind Blairgowrie in the Caledonia Midlands District League. With the home team being led onto the field by mascot for the day Myles Reid in what could only be described as perfect playing conditions it was the visitors who started off the stronger of the two teams putting the home side under early pressure from the kick off.

Blairgowrie's defence held up to this early onslaught with some excellent defence by the Blairgowrie backs with one particularly ferocious tackle from centre Fraser Bissett. Having weathered the storm it was Blairgowrie who went into the lead after 15 minutes. Ewan Ireland hoisted a high ball into the Panmure half which was collected by Peter Duncan who in turn fed the ball to Fraser Bissett. Despite Fraser being stopped short of the try line the Blairgowrie forwards were on hand to retain possession for Alan Clarke to drive over for the opening try with Stephen Souter unfortunately hitting the post with his conversion kick.

This score seemed to settle the home team who were unlucky not to score a second try when Gordon Black was unfairly tackled just short of the try line allowing Stephen Souter to add three points with a penalty kick. With minutes of the first half remaining Blairgowrie won a scrum just inside the Panmure 22 meter line with number 8 Kev Brown picking up at the base of the scrum to feed scrum half Gavin Wynd who sliced through the opposing defence to make the half time score Blairgowrie 13 Panmure 0.

From the restart Blairgowrie continued to pressurise the Panmure defence but on more than one occasion took the wrong option thus squandering a number of scoring opportunities. Midway through the second half Blairgowrie increased their lead with a fine opportunist try by Ewan Ireland who chipped the ball over his opposite number and out-sprinting the Panmure defence to score under the posts, converted by Stephen Souter. Blairgowrie then piled on the pressure for the last 10 minutes of the match seeking the bonus point but the Panmure defence held out to make the final score Blairgowrie 20 Panmure 0.

This was an excellent game of rugby with both teams giving it their all while playing the game in a true sporting manner. While some of the Blairgowrie players were disappointed that they did not manage to secure the bonus point coach Peter Ireland was pleased that the squad had managed to consolidate their top of the league position with another clean sheet. Man of the Match Ewan Ireland - 3 points; Eaun Constable -2 points; Gavid Wynd- 1 point .

Squad: James Buchanan, Robert Larsen, Ross Parsons, Euan Constable, Jackie Cockburn, Kev Crichton, Alan Clarke, Gordon Black, Tim Watson, Ewen Morrison, Ryan Walker, Duncan Campbell, Mick Bowen, Kev Brown (capt), Gavin Wynd, Ewan Ireland, Fraser Bissett, Peter Duncan, Alan Robertson, Michael Black, Andrew Cowan, Andy MacNiven, Stephen Souter.

This Saturday (17th) Blairgowrie travel to Rosyth where they meet Fife Southern RFC with a 2 o'clock kick off. Travel arrangements will be announced at training which takes place at the J J Coupar Park at 7.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.