Gale Force Wind Spoils Game at Arbroath

Saturday 03 Oct 09, the Blairgowrie senior squad travelled to Arbroath for this their sixth game in the Scottish Hydro Electric Caledonia League Division II. With the majority of outside sporting events along the east coast being postponed due to gale force winds it was a surprise that this match took place with the strong winds making it nigh impossible for both teams to play half decent rugby. Arbroath won the toss and opted to play against the wind in the first half.

From the kick off Blairgowrie fielded the ball and with the forwards driving towards the opposing 22 meter line the home side conceded a penalty which Stephen Souter converted to put Blairgowrie into an early lead. For the remainder of the first half Blairgowrie pressurised the home defence with Kev Brown and Richie Duncan driving at the opposition at every opportunity. To their credit the Arbroath defence tackled well and despite not managing to get to the Blairgowrie 22 meter area during the first half their defence held out with the half time score remaining at Arbroath 0 Blairgowrie 3.

With Richie Duncan having to leave the field at the interval after sustaining a shoulder injury coach Alan Webster introduced himself to the fray. Unfortunately the near gale force winds continued to prevent both teams from playing any passing rugby with Blairgowrie pinned back in their own half for long periods. Midway through the second half Arbroath took possession of a lineout ball and with the Blairgowrie players expecting the whistle to go for a squint throw in due to the wind an  Arbroath player collected the ball and ran in a try in the corner. At this point of the match it looked as if Blairgworie would never get the ball up into the Arbroath 22 metre area due to the strong wind but some good rucking and driving by the Blairgowrie forwards resulted in Peter Duncan picking up and driving over for what all the Blairgowrie players thought was a try. Unfortunately the referee deemed that the ball had not been grounded and Blairgworie’s chance to take the lead had gone. With the wind showing no signs of abating the referee blew for full time with the final score Arbroath 5 Blairgowrie 3.

Unfortunately the strong winds made this match a bit of a farce but credit to Arbroath for strong defending and taking their opportunity when it arose. Despite having to settle for a losing bonus point there were some positives from the game with some good displays by Michael Simpson, Ryan Walker, and James Buchanan with the man of the match points being awarded to Fraser Bissett - 1 point, Alan Webster - 2 points and Kev Brown - 3 pointsd and man of the match.

Team: James Buchanan, Ewan Constable, Robert Larsen, Mark Reddin, Kev Brown, Ryan Walker, Neil MacRae, Richie Duncan, Gavin Wynd, Michael Simpson, Peter Duncan, Fraser Bissett, Michael Grant, Michael Black, Stephen Souter, Al Guild, Alan Webster, Ally Walker, Cally Gordon, Jake Cockburn, John Cockburn and Liam McLaren.

This Saturday (10th) Blairgowrie host Montrose RFC. Team selection to be announced at training which takes place at the J J Coupar Park at 7.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.