With their last home game being away back in October the Blairgowrie seniors were very much looking forward to getting back to league action with a home tie against Crieff & Strathearn RFC at the J J Coupar Park last Saturday. Prior to the kick off the players from both teams and the supporters observed a minutes silence as a mark of respect for all those who sadly lost their lives in the Christchurch earthquake disaster. With young Ben MacDonald making his debut for the home side and Neil MacRae making a welcome return to the back row having been sidelined with an injury since last August it was the home side who applied the early pressure with some really good rucking by the forwards ably led by Davie Grieve and Russell Edwards. This early pressure quickly paid off after Peter Duncan had taken a crash ball off the lineout only to be stopped short of the try line but the ever present Mike Lee was on hand to score the first try of the afternoon converted by Stephen Souter.

A second try was soon to follow with front row forward Ryan Walker picking up on a loose ball to score again converted by Stephen Souter. At this point of match Blairgowrie were playing some good fast flowing rugby with John Cockburn and Gavin Wynd combining well at scrum half and stand off respectively. A third try soon followed after some quick thinking by Mike Lee who took a tap penalty and then drove over the line which was converted by Stephen Souter who added a further three points with a penalty shortly after. The fourth try of the afternoon came just before the interval with winger Michael Black picking up a loose ball near the half way line, handing off a number of tackles to score a fine individual try converted by Stephen Souter. Half time score: Blairgowrie 31 Crieff 0.

Blairgowrie started the second half as they had done in the first half with a great break by centre Fraser Bissett but the visitors defence held out to prevent a score . This was however short lived with Ewen Morrison making a superb break from defence. Despite Ewen being eventually stopped in his tracks forwards Rory Philip and Mark Reddin were on hand to secure the ball for Blairgowrie which was then passed out along the line for Michael Black to score in the corner. Crieff were not for giving up and after some good work by their forwards put seven points on the scoreboard with a converted try. With the on looking crowd enjoying a fast flowing match Blairgowrie’s next try came from a well worked move following a lineout with Stephen Souter coming into the back line at pace to break through a number of tackles before making the final pass to Peter Duncan to score under the posts. Converted by Stephen Souter.

The  seventh try of the afternoon came after a good run by winger Michael Grant who was stopped on the edge of the oppositions 22 metre line. After at least four or five phases of play by the Blairgowrie forwards prop forward James Buchanan made the ball available to Mike Lee who drove over the line to complete his hat trick of tries. With minutes of the match remaining winger Michael Black fielded a high ball in his own half and then proceeded to side step three Crieff defenders to complete his hat trick of tries converted by Stephen Souter. Final score: Blairgowrie 54 Crieff 7.

Squad: Rory Philip, Mike Lee, Ryan Walker, Mark Reddin, Ewen Morrison, Russell Edward, Neil MacRae, Davie Grieve, John Cockburn, Gavin Wynd, Fraser Bissett (capt), Peter Duncan, Michael Grant, Michael Black, Stephen Souter, Ben MacDonald, James Buchanan, Al Guild, Liam MacLaren.
Bearing in mind that the Blairgowrie seniors have only played one game since early November this was a good sound display by all the players and it was particularly pleasing for club coaches Alan Webster and Peter Ireland to see the squad performing well.

Following the match captain Fraser Bissett thanked both the referee and Crieff for a good game, to Match sponsor Angus Donaldson (A.A.D. Electrics) Sandy McCurdy for his sterling work as ‘Physio’ and the boys who prepared the after match food the previous evening. Man of the match points were awarded as follows: Ryan Walker and Gavin Wynd - 1 point each, Russell Edwards -2 points and Michael Black and Mike Lee - 3 points each sharing the Man of Match award. President Duncan MacRae then thanked all those who gave so generously towards a collection for the Christchurch earthquake disaster and particularly to the Crieff players who donated their ’beer money’ to the collection which will be matched by Blairgowrie Rugby Club and which Mike Lee our resident New Zealander will arrange to be sent to his home country.

This Saturday (5th) Blairgowrie have another home match this time against Carnoustie RFC with a 3 o’clock kick off. Training continues at 7.00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the J J Coupar Park. New players always welcome.
Tickets for the Race Night which will take place at the clubhouse on Saturday 12th March are available from Duncan MacRae or from the bar on Friday or Saturday evenings.