Early Cup Exit for Blairgowrie

Saturday 8th Nov 08, Blairgowrie played hosts to Aberdeen Wanderers RFC in the first round of the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup. It was the visitors who controlled the early part of the game going into the lead with a converted try after just 10 minutes. Some excellent running out of defence by young Michael Grant prevented the visitors adding a further score and this seemed to spur the home side into action with the Blairgowrie forwards showing much improvement in their rucking and mauling.

Midway through the second half Kev Brown took a quick penalty inside the oppositions 22 meter are but despite being stopped short of the try line managed to release the ball to lock forward Peter Duncan who drove over to score under the posts. Converted by Robert Larsen. Straight from the restart Blairgowrie secured the ball with Duncan Campbell making a superb break to allow Fraser Bissett to score and put Blairgowrie into the lead. Unfortunately for the home side this lead was short lived with Wanderers scoring in the corner after some good handling by their backs. With minutes of the first half remaining Blairgowrie were unfortunate not to score after a great drive involving Cally Gordon, Ricky Williams, Al Clarke, Kev Brown and John Jenkins who was making a welcome return to the Blairgowrie senior squad having been away for a number of years.  Half time: Blairgowrie 12 Aberdeen Wanderers 12.

Within minutes of the restart Blairgowrie went back into the lead following some good defensive work by Michael Grant which allowed Al Clarke to charge up field releasing Robert Larsen who broke through a couple of tackles to score in the corner. Despite the Blairgowrie forwards dominating most of the forward play throughout the afternoon some poor tackling by the home defence allowed the visitors to score twice to go back into the lead. Despite this setback Blairgowrie worked hard to get back on level terms finding themselves encamped in the Wanderers 22 metre area for long periods. With minutes of the match remaining Blairgowrie were awarded a penalty on the oppositions 22 meter line but unfortunately the Blairgworie hooker knocked the ball on and any chance of an equalising try was lost. Full time: Blairgowrie 17 Aberdeen Wanderers 24.

Team: Al Guild, Ricky Williams, Al Clarke, Mickey Todd, Peter Duncan, Ewan Morrison (Capt), Neil MacRae, Robert Larsen, Colin Jeffrey, Gavin Wynd, Duncan Campbell, Fraser Bissett, Michael Grant, Cally Gordon, Michael Black, Kev Brown, John Jenkins, Jake Cockburn, James Buchanan, Euan Constable, Stevie Stewart.
Man of the match points were awarded as follows; Michael Grant - 1 point, Kev Brown - 2 points and Al Guild - 3 points and Man of the Match.

This was a much improved display by the Blairgowrie forwards but at the end of the day Blairgowrie just failed to find that cutting edge to convert their pressure into points. After the match Blairgowrie captain Ewan Morrison thanked Aberdeen Wanderers for a keenly contested match which was played in good spirits and wished the winners all the best in the next round of the cup. Thanks were also relayed to Peter and Gemma for preparing the after match food and to the match referee who handled the game well.

The Blairgowrie senior squad have a free Saturday this weekend but it is still imperative that ALL players attend training on Tuesdays and Thursdays if they are to kick start their season and lift themselves of the bottom of the league.