Simpson Shines for Blairgowrie
Saturday 26 Sep 09, Blairgowrie played hosts to Bannockburn RFC for this their fifth Scottish Hydro Electric Caledonia League Division II match of the season. Having been led onto the pitch by team mascot Fraser Black Blairgowrie opted to take the kick off and within a minute of play were awarded a penalty on the half way line. Scrum half John Cockburn took a quick tap penalty taking the visitors by surprise and ran from the half way line evading a number of tackles to score under the posts which he then duly converted to give the home side an early lead. With the sun shining on their backs and the pitch in perfect condition Blairgowrie appeared to be up for this match and quickly added a second try after Rory Philips had stolen the ball from Bannockburn releasing Ally Walker who beat at least four defenders before making the final pass to Michael Grant to scored a try which was converted by John Cockburn.
A further two tries were quickly added through Fraser Bissett and Ally Walker which were both converted by John Cockburn before he had to leave the field injured. At this point of the match Blairgowrie were playing the best rugby they have played this season with young Michael Simpson making some superb breaks from the back line one of which led to Blairgowrie’s fifth try by Ally Walker. With the first half drawing to a close Blairgowrie added two more tries the first by Euan Constable after he had charged down a poor clearance by Bannockburn and the second try through Fraser Bissett after a fine break by captain Gavin Wynd. Half time Blairgowrie 45 Bannockburn 0.
From the restart Blairgowrie went straight into attack with Stephen Souter breaking through the visitors defence releasing Ritchie Duncan to score near the corner. The next try and Blairgowrie’s ninth try of the match came via Fraser Bissett who completed his hat trick of tries after a superb run from inside his own half of the field evading a number of tackles en route to the try line. Try converted by Stephen Souter. Midway through the second half Bannockburn were reduced to 13 players after two of their players were injured which meant that scrums were uncontested for the last quarter of the match. This did not deter the Blairgowrie forwards who continued to work hard for possession with Ritchie Duncan and Mark Reddin releasing young Michael Simpson to score his first try for the Blairgowrie senior team which was again converted by Stephen Souter. The next scores for Blairgowrie once again came from some good rucking and mauling by the Blairgowrie forwards with Euan Constable and Ritchie Duncan adding another two tries both converted by Stephen Souter. With minutes of the match remaining young Michael Simpson once again produced a superb run through the Bannockburn defence to score under the posts with Stephen Souter converting the try with the last kick of the match. Final score: Blairgowrie 92 Bannockburn 0.
This was a much better performance by Blairgowrie but credit must also go to Bannockburn who competed to the end despite having only one substitute on the day. With practically every Blairgowrie player performing well on the day selecting a man of the match proved to be a difficult task for coach Alan Webster with the points being awarded to Ritchie Duncan - 1 point, Gavin Wynd - 2 points and Michael Simpson deservedly being awarded 3 points and the Man of the Match award.
Team; Euan Constable, Al Guild, Rory Philips, Ewan Morrison, Mark Reddin, Kev Brown, Ryan Walker, Neil MacRae, John Cockburn, Gavin Wynd (captain), Fraser Bissett, Michael Grant, Stevie Stewart, Ally Walker, Michael Simpson, Alan Clarke, Ritchei Duncan, Stephen Souter, Jake Cockburn, Liam McLaren, Robert Larsen, Michael Black.
Following the match captain Gavin Wynd thanked Bannockburn for a fair and sporting game, referee Ian Ross for handling the game well, Alistair Russell and the Balmoral Garage for kindly sponsoring the match, and Moira Bissett and Ralph Donaldson for preparing the food for the players and sponsors respectively.
This Saturday (3rd) Blairgowrie make the journey to Arbroath Rugby club. Team selection and travel arrangements will be announced at training which takes place at the J J Coupar Park at 7.00 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. New players welcome.