Much Improved Display by Blair Forwards

Saturday 25th Oct 08, Blairgowrie seniors played hosts to Aberdeen University RFC who are currently near the top of Caledonia League Division I.

As was expected the students ran the ball at Blairgowrie from the kick off and went into a 3 point lead within a minute of the match starting after the home side conceded a penalty on their own 22 metre line. Blairgowrie had the opportunity to equalise and take the lead but the Blairgowrie stand off failed to convert two penalties in front of the posts. Despite this setback the Blairgowrie forwards led by captain Ewan Morrison dominated for much of the first half but failed to convert pressure into points. With minutes of the first half remaining and the Blairgowrie pack encamped inside the visitors 22 metre area a lose ball was picked up by the students allowing their winger to run the full length of the pitch to give them a 10 point lead at the interval.

From the restart the Blairgowrie forwards once again dominated for long periods but again failed to breach the visitors defence with yet another spilt ball by the Blairgowrie backs allowing the students to extend their lead with another breakaway try. Midway through the second half the Blairgowrie forwards finally managed to drive their opponents over the line after some excellent work by Ricky Williams allowing hooker Al Guild to score his first try for Blairgowrie Rugby Club. At this point it looked as if Blairgowrie would at least take a losing bonus point from the game but with minutes of the match remaining the students sealed their win with third try to end the match Blairgowrie 5 Aberdeen University 24.

Despite failing to secure a losing bonus point this was a much improved display by Blairgowrie with the home pack rucking and mauling to much better effect with Kev Brown, Al Guild and Ricky Willaims driving the ball at every opportunity. Man of the match points were awarded as follows; Gavin Wynd (returning after a long injury) - 1 point, Ricky Williams - 2 points; Kev Brown - 3 points and Man of the Match.

Thanks were relayed after the match to groundsmen Jock and Bernard who ensured that the pitch was in immaculate condition and to Alison Fairnington for preparing the after match food.
Team: James Buchanan, Al Guild, Euan Constable, Ricky Williams, Ewan Morrison (capt), Peter Duncan, Ryan walker, Neil MacRae, Kev Brown, Gavin Wynd, Ally Walker, Fraser Bissett, Duncan Campbell, Michael Grant, Stevie Stewart, Michael Black, Al Clarke, Cally Gordon, Jake Cockburn, Robert Larsen.

This Saturday (1st) Blairgowrie travel to Stonehaven to take on Mackie RFC. Following last weeks good turnout at training coach Alan Webster requests another good turnout at training this week. Team selection and travel arrangements will be announced at training on Thursday evening. There will be few spaces available on the bus for supporters. Anyone interested in travelling with the team please contact the clubhouse on Friday evening for more details.