Floodlights Fail to Shine on Blair'

With Blairgowrie 1st XV regular Peter Duncan and fiancé Jemma Lipp getting married last Saturday (many congratulations to them both) Blairgowries’ RBS Caledonia Division II league match against Kinross  was brought forward to the Friday evening and played under floodlights at Kinross.

From the kick off it was the home side who took the early initiative pinning Blairgowrie back in their own half for long periods and forcing the visitors to concede a number of penalties early in the game which Kinross failed to convert into points. Having stemmed this early pressure Blairgowrie looked to be getting more into the game but a disastrous15 minute spell half way through the first half saw Blairgowrie concede three quick tries much to the delight of the large home support. With the first half drawing to a close Gavin Wynd found touch with a penalty kick deep in the Kinross half and from the resultant lineout the ball was superbly driven by the Blairgowrie pack towards the try line. With the drive being halted by the home defence the ball was spun out wide to Michael Black who took the ball at pace to score under the posts converted by Stephen Souter. Half time score Kinross 21 Blairgowrie 7.

The second half started with Kinross again applying the early pressure but Blairgowrie slowly came back into the game and were unfortunate not to score when the ball was knocked on just meters short of the Kinross try line after an excellent break by young Liam McLaren. This seemed to spur on the home side who then encamped on the Blairgowrie try line for at least 10 minutes before they finally managed to score their fourth try to secure the bonus point. With minutes of the game remaining the Blairgowrie forwards once again drove the ball towards the Kinross try line with Ewen Morrison forcing his way over the try line for Blairgowrie’s second try converted by Stephen Souter. Full time score Kinross 28 Blairgowrie 14.

This was a poor performance by Blairgowrie who are capable of playing much better rugby but credit to Kinross who adapted much better to the playing conditions on the night. On a plus note it was good to see young Stuart Simpson (yet another former Blairgowrie Rams youth player) making his debut for the senior team and Stuart Flatley also making his debut with both acquitting themselves well on the night.

Following the match captain Mike Lee thanked Kinross for a hard game and for their hospitality. Man of the match points were awarded to Stuart Flatley and Stuart Simpson – 1 point each, Ewen Morrison- 2 points and Liam McLaren – 3 points and Man of the Match.

This weekend Blairgowrie travel to Dundee to meet Harris FP’s who are currently three places above Blairgowrie in the league and who will undoubtedly prove a stiff test for the visitors. Team selection and travel arrangements will be announced at training which takes place at the J J Coupar Park at 7.00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays. New players welcome.

There are still some tickets available for the Rugby Club Dinner Dance which will be held this year at the Red House Hotel on Saturday 19th November. All ticket money should be handed in by this weekend at the latest. More details from Duncan MacRae: Tel 07960366437.