Saturday
15th Sep, Blairgowrie travelled to Kingussie for their second
league game of the season against Strathspey RFC. Much was expected
of the Blairgowrie squad following a fine performance against
Carnoustie the previous week.
From the kick
off both teams failed to settle into any kind of pattern with
the match continually being disrupted for lineouts and scrums
particularly during the early part of the match. It was Blairgowrie
who opened the scoring following some good driving by the Blairgowrie
forwards to allow Euan Constable to touch down for an unconverted
try.
Shortly before half time Blairgowrie increased their lead after
Kev Brown had stolen the ball for a turnover which was then fed
out to Euan Ireland who in turn passed the ball to Ewen Morrison
who stepped past a tackler to score under the posts. Converted
by Stephen Souter. Stephen then added a penalty to make the half
time score : Strathspey 0 Blairgowrie 15.
From the restart both teams failed to contend with the wet and
windy conditions with both sets of backs making numerous mistakes.
Strathspey pressed hard after the interval and only a try saving
tackle by young Michael Black prevented the home side from scoring.
Blairgowrie quickly responded however with an opportunist try
by Ewen Ireland only to be ruled out by the replacement referee
after the first referee had to retire through injury.
From the ensuing
scrum Alan Robertson intercepted a stray Strathspey pass to allow
Peter Duncan to score under the posts- converted by Stephen Souter.
With seconds of the match remaining Blairgowrie switched play
to the far wing with Euan Constable passing the ball to Stephen
Souter who outpaced the opposing full back to score in the corner.
Final score: Strathspey 0 Blairgowrie 27.
Although Blairgowrie secured a bonus point for scoring four tries
this was a poor display by the Blairgowrie squad and it is essential
that all players attend training on Tuesdays and Thursdays to
allow coaches Peter Ireland and Ian Robertson to concentrate on
moves for both backs and forwards.
Team: Euan Constable, Tim Watson, Ross Parsons, Gordon Black,
Ewen Morrison, Duncan Campbell, Neil MacRae, Kev Brown, Gavin
Wynd, Euan Ireland, Peter Duncan, Alan Robertson, Michael Black,
Robert Larsen, Stephen Souter, James Larsen, Jackie Cockburn.
Man of the Match awards: Kev Brown - 3 points, Duncan Campbell
-2 points and Eaun Constable -1 point.
This Saturday (22nd) there will be a seconds match against Crieff
2nds at the J J Coupar Park - kick off 2.30. This will be an opportunity
for all fringe players to stake a claim for a place in the 1st
XV squad for the next league match against Arbroath RFC at the
J J Coupar Park on Saturday 29th.
Following last Saturday's match players and friends gathered at
the clubhouse to wish a fond farewell to Stuart Charnock who is
joining the army and to Neil MacRae who is going to Australia
with both players being presented with tankards. Blairgowrie Rugby
Club wish both players all the best for the future.
