Blair Secure 5 Points at Stobswell

Following weeks of non competitive rugby due to most pitches in the east being unplayable due to frost the Blairgowrie senior squad got back to action last Saturday with a Scottish Hydro Electric Caledonia League Div II match against near neighbours Stobswell RFC. With Blairgowrie having a number of regular 1st XV players missing and with both teams not having played rugby for some time this was not a game for the rugby purist with the game continually being killed in the ruck and little fast flowing rugby. Blairgowrie’s first try of the match came from Michael Black after he had charged down a Stobswell clearance  with winger Ally Walker adding a second try midway through the first half converted by Stephen Souter who also converted a penalty before the interval. Half time Stobswell 0 Blairgowrie 12.

Blairgowrie started the second half the stronger of the two teams tand within minutes of the restart added a third try through Fraser Bissett after the Blairgowrie forwards had turned over the ball in midfield. Converted by Stephen Souter. The Blairgowrie forwards were now coming more into the game with Rory Philip taking a number of scrum balls against the head and prop Andy Barrett securing ball at critical times. Midway through the second half Blairgowrie were awarded a penalty on the Stobswell 22 meter line but rather than taking the kick at goal opted to run the ball with Stephen Souter driving over the line for another converted try. Stobswell responded with a consolation try but it was Blairgowrie who had the final say with winger Ally Walker going over in the corner after some good skills by newcomer Liam Tweedie.

While both teams looked a bit rusty on the day Blairgowrie came away satisfied that they had secured the try bonus point to consolidate their fourth position in the league. Following the match captain Gavin Wynd thanked Stobswell RFC for the game and for their hospitality. Man of the match points were awarded to Liam Tweedie - 1 point, Andy Barrett - 2 points and Michael Black - 3 points and Man of the Match.

Team: Ryan Walker, Rory Philip, James Buchanan, Andy Barrett, Alan Clarke, Mark Reddin, Peter Duncan, Richie Duncan, Gavin Wynd, Michael Simpson, Fraser Bissett, Ally Walker, Liam Tweedie, Liam McLaren, Stephen Souter, Jake Cockburn, Stevie Stewart, Gordon Black.

This Saturday (6th) Blairgowrie have a rearranged home match against Arbroath RFC  - kick off 3.00. Training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.00 at the J J Coupar Park.