Blair celebrate 50-point victory
Panmure forced to play with just 14 men
Blairgowrie enjoyed another convincing win on Saturday, beating Panmure RFC 51-0 at a wet and dreary JJ Coupar Recreation Park.
The team had been expecting a keenly contested match, having drawn 24-all at Forthill earlier in the season.
Panmure could only field 14 players but they should have had an early try after a Panmure player intercepted the ball on their own 22 metre line, only to be caught by young John McLaren with a superb try-saving tackle a metre short of the Blairgowrie try line.
Blairgowrie slowly got into the game with Stephen Souter converting a penalty to give the home side an early lead. This was quickly followed by a try from Fraser Black after an excellent break by Matthew Michie.
Despite being a player short, Panmure defended well until full back Stephen Souter decided to go on a mazy run, side-stepping at least four defenders before slipping the ball to the supporting Finn Ormiston to score in the corner, which was then superbly converted by Souter.
In the wet conditions both sets of players were guilty of dropping the ball at crucial times but, with the first half drawing to a close and following a period of continued pressure by Blairgowrie, Fraser Bissett scored in the corner, which was converted by Stephen Souter to make the half-time score 24-0 in favour of Blairgowrie.
After the break the home side applied early pressure, with John McLaren being stopped inches short of the try line after an excellent break. Stephen Souter converted the resultant penalty.
Early in the second half Panmure were reduced to 13 players after one of their men suffered a head knock.
From this point Blairgowrie enjoyed the majority of possession.
Following some excellent work by the Blairgowrie forwards, young Fraser Black was just stopped short of the try line but the ball was quickly recycled along the back line for John McLaren to score in the opposite corner. Once again it was converted by Stephen Souter.
At this point Blairgowrie coach Craig Ormiston made a number of changes.
The home side scored their fifth try of the afternoon with John McLaren touching down in the corner after a superb break by Mathew Michie. Stephen Souter once again did the honours.
Following a steal by Fraser Black the ball was taken by Tom Helyer, who drove through the tackle to score in the corner.
With the game drawing to a close Blairgowrie were awarded a penalty on the visitors’ 22 metre line, which was promptly taken by Finn Ormiston to score under the posts.
After the match Blairgowrie captain Andy McOuat thanked Panmure for a dogged display despite not having a full squad.
Man of the match points: Stephen Souter and Finn Ormiston (1); Mathew Michie (2) Fraser Black (3). Tackle award: John McLaren.
Team: Dave Malloch, Paul Douglas, Euan Constable, Mark Reddin, Neil MacRae, Andy McOuat, Finn Ormiston, Fraser Black, Russell Edwards, Murray Davidson, Mathew Michie, Fraser Bissett, Rory Grant, Michael Grant, Stephen Souter, Jordan Lynn, Alan Walsh, Davie Grieve, Tom Helyer, Aaron Todd, Grant Knowles.
With the start of the Six Nations tournament this Saturday, there will be no league game this weekend but there will be a training session prior to the Scotland v Ireland tie.
The game will be screened at the clubhouse at 2.30pm.
Two supporters’ buses for the Midlands Cup final on Saturday, February 11, are now full and the club is looking to put on a third bus. Places on the bus cost £10 return.
To book a seat, which must be paid for in advance, contact Duncan MacRae on 07960 366437 or Peter Ireland on 07501 473442.
The clubhouse will open at 11am that day, with buses scheduled to leave at 11.45am.
Two supporters’ buses for the Midlands Cup final are now full and the club is looking to put on a third