Losing Bonus Point at Rosyth

Saturday 18 Feb 12 saw the senior squad return to RBS Midlands League action with a trip to Rosyth following two weeks of non competitive rugby due to pitches being unplayable because of frost. With the Blairgowrie over 35 team narrowly losing to their Morgan FP counterparts earlier in the day it was with some optimism that the 1st XV travelled to Rosyth having beaten Fife Southern at the J J Coupar Park earlier in the season.

With a strong westerly wind blowing along the pitch the home side opted to play with the wind in the first half with their stand off using this wind to good effect pinning Blairgowrie back in their own 22 metre area for long periods. Blairgowrie however weathered the storm and as the game progressed came more into the game with good breaks by Fraser Maxwell, Fraser Bissett and Liam McLaren. Midway through the first half Blairgowrie were reduced to 14 men when one of their forwards was sin binned for what the referee deemed as persistent off side. With the first half drawing to a close and Blairgowrie having defended stoutly the home side finally managed to get over the try line having pinned the visitors back on their own try line for at least 5 minutes. Half time score Fife Southern 5 Blairgowrie 0.

Having held the home side to 5 points against a strong wind Blairgowrie were looking good to take something from this game but unfortunately they failed to use the wind to maximum effect and allowing the home side to retain too much possession thus preventing Blairgowrie from getting into a try scoring position. Midway through the second half Fife Southern were then reduced to 14 men when one of their players was sin binned for persistent fouling. At this point Blairgowrie appeared to raise their game with Fraser Maxwell making an excellent break but just failing to evade the full backs last minute tackle. With 5 minutes of the match remaining Blairgowrie piled on the pressure winning a number of 5 metre scrums which eventually resulted in Mike Lee diving over to place the ball on the try line but unfortunately for Blairgowrie the referee was unsighted and the try was not awarded. Despite all their efforts Blairgowrie could not get that elusive try with the referee blowing for time with the final score Fife Southern 5 Blairgowrie 0.

Unfortunately this was not a game for the rugby connoisseur with the game being continually interrupted for various indiscretions resulting in long periods of scrappy play by both teams. On a positive front Blairgowrie can be congratulated for defending well against a strong wind in the first half but unfortunately they failed to have the cutting edge in the second half thus having to settle for a losing bonus point.

Following the match captain Mike Lee thanked Fife Southern for a hard fought match and for their after match hospitality. Man of the Match points were awarded as follows: Liam McLaren – 1 point, Duncan Campbell – 2 points and Fraser Bissett – 3 points and Man of the Match.

This Saturday (25th) Blairgowrie are scheduled to play Kinross RFC at the J J Coupar Park with a 3 o’clock kick off but this may be changed if the fixture can be re-scheduled to allow Kinross to play a touring team in Kinross on Saturday. Arrangements will be confirmed at training which takes place at the J J Coupar Park on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7.00 pm.