FIRST HOME LEAGUE DEFEAT FOR OVER A YEAR
Saturday 20 Sep 08, Blairgowrie played hosts to Aberdeenshire RFC who are currently unbeaten in Caledonia League Division 1. It was evident from the kick off that this was going to be a difficult task for the home side conceding 2 converted tries within the first 10 minutes of the match but despite this early setback the Blairgowrie team improved as the game progressed and managed to retain possession for long periods but unfortunately conceded another breakaway try just before the interval. Half time score Blairgowrie 0 Aberdeenshire 19.
From the restart the home side started off strongly with the Blairgowrie forwards under the leadership of captain Ewan Morrison being more than a match for the Aberdeenshire pack. Despite this possession Blairgowrie conceded a fourth try but some persistent fouling by the Aberdeenshire forwards resulted in one of their players being sin-binned. From the resultant penalty Blairgowrie drove for the try line allowing stand off Ally Walker to score , converted by Stephen Souter. Blairgowrie continued to play some good rugby but injuries to Gavin Wynd and Kev Brown forced coach Alan Webster to reshuffle the team with young Michael Grant making his league debut for the senior squad. Despite Blairgowrie having long periods of possession some excellent tackling by the Aberdeenshire defence prevented them adding another try. With the match drawing to a close some impressive running by the Aberdeenshire backs enabled them to score another two tries to make the final score Blairgowrie 7 Aberdeenshire 38.
This was Blairgowrie’s first home league defeat at the J J Coupar park for over a year but credit must go to the visitors who played some good rugby and look likely to be in contention for the league title at the end of the season.
Man of the Match points were awarded as follows; Ewan Morrison -1 point, Ally Walker - 2 points and Duncan Campbell -3 points and Man of the Match.
Team; James Buchanan, Ricky Williams, Euan Constable, Gordon Black, Ewan Morrison, Mick Bowen, Neil MacRae, Kev Brown, Gavin Wynd, Ally Walker, Peter Duncan, Fraser Bissett, Michael Black, Bogdan Stefaniak, Stephen Souter, Alan Guild, Duncan Campbell, Michael Grant, Colin Jeffries.
This Saturday (27th) Blairgowrie have a home match against Kinross RFC with a 3.00 kick off. Team selection will be announced at training at the J J Coupar Park on Thursday at 7.00.
Congratulations to birthday boy Al Guild and his good lady Jodie on their addition to the family. Both mother and baby doing well.
This Friday (26th) is Ladies Night at the clubhouse where some of the players will be entertaining the ladies.