Losing Bonus Point at Alloa
Saturday 29 Jan 11, the Blairgowrie senior squad returned to league action travelling to Alloa for this their first competive rugby match since the first weekend in November. With barely a minute on the clock Alloa scored a try after Blairgowrie had given away possession far too easily in their own half. Within 10 minutes the home side extended their lead with another try in the corner and at this early stage of the game things looked ominous for the visitors. Despite this early setback Blairgowrie slowly made their way back into the match with Liam Tweedie and Russell Edwards both making inroads through the Alloa back line. Midway through the first half Blairgowrie were unlucky not to score a try after a Stephen Souter penalty came back off the upright with the ball being caught by Ritchie Duncan who was stopped just short of the try line. Minutes later Stephen made amends with a successful penalty but with the half time whistle looming Alloa once again turned over the ball to release their winger to score a well taken try in the corner. Half time score : Alloa 15 Blairgowrie 3
From the restart it was Blairgowrie who enjoyed the greater part of the possession with captain for the day Mark Reddin and fellow forwards Mike Lee, Al Guild and Ritchie Duncan testing the home defence on a number of occasions. This pressure eventually paid off with Stephen Souter successfully kicking two penalties in quick succession after an Alloa forward had been sin binned for 10 minutes. With the game moving into the final quarter both teams gave it their all but neither team could add any further scores. Full time score Alloa 15 Blairgowrie 9.
Following the match captain for the day Mark Reddin thanked the referee and Alloa for a good match and Alloa RFC for their hospitality. Man of the match points were awarded to: Mark Reddin - 1 point, Ritchie Duncan - 2 points and Mike Lee - 3 points and Man of the Match.
It was fairly obvious from the kick of that Blairgowrie were a bit match rusty having not had a game since early November but credit to all the players as the longer the match went on the more problems Blairgowrie caused the opposition.
This Saturday the seniors play hosts to near neighbours Strathmore RFC in the second round of the National Bowl competition - kick off 2.30.
With the visitors currently unbeaten in Caledonia League Division I there is no doubt that this will be a stiff test for the Blairgowrie squad and with this Bowl match and 5 more league games to play it is imperative that ALL players attend training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.00 at the J J Coupar Park. Remaining league matches are 19 Feb -Fife Southern (away), 26 Feb- Crieff & Strathearn (home), 5 March - Carnoustie (home), 19 March - Crieff & Strathearn (away) and 26 March - Arbroath (home). There will also be a Race Night at the clubhouse on Saturday 12th March.