Madras Too Hot for Blairgowrie

Saturday 30 Oct 10, Blairgowrie travelled to St Andrews where they took on league leaders Madras RFC who are currently unbeaten at the top of the league. Prior to the match both teams and spectators observed a minutes silence in memory of Mike Lees who was secretary at Madras for many  years and who sadly passed away last week.

In glorious sunshine Madras kicked off and were awarded a penalty in the first minute which they failed to convert. However within minutes the home team showed why they are firm favourites to win the league when they scored their first try of the afternoon after Blairgowrie failed to secure their own lineout ball. Madras were to score a further 4 tries before the interval most of these coming as a result of some very poor tackling by the Blairgowrie team to make the half time score Madras 33 Blairgowrie 0.

With coach Alan Webster joining the fray after the interval Blairgowrie upped their game and played much better than they did in the first half limiting the home side to two tries in the second half with Alan Webster scoring Blairgowrie’s only score of the day. Final score Madras 47 Blairgowrie 5.

Team: James Buchanan, Rory Philip, Mike Lee, Alan Clarke, Mark Reddin, Ryan Walker, Russell Edward, Liam MacLaren, John Cockburn, Gavin Wynd, Michael Black, Fraser Bissett, Robert Larsen, Ross Donald, Stephen Souter, Alan Webster, Kev Brown, James Larsen.

This was a game that Madras thoroughly deserved to win playing some excellent rugby in the first half of the match but credit to the Blairgowrie players who performed much better in the second half with Russell Edward putting in a try saving tackle in the closing minutes of the match to prevent the home side reaching the half century. Following the match captain Fraser Bissett thanked Madras and referee Duncan Campbell for a good match and to Madras for their hospitality. Man of the match points were awarded to John Cockburn and Gavin Wynd - 1 point each, Mike Lee - 2 points and Russell Edward - 3 points and Man of the Match.

This Saturday (6th) Blairgowrie travel to Dundee to play Stobswell RFC in the first round of the National Plate completion. Team selection and travel arrangements will be announced at training which takes place at the J J Coupar Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.00pm. Please note that this game kicks off at 1.30 pm.