Blues see off Reds
Blairgowrie RFC’s friendly Boxing Day match
There was a good turnout for the annual Blairgowrie RFC captain’s team v president’s team match on a cold but sunny Boxing Day.
A large number of spectators were also in attendance at the JJ Coupar Recreation Park to watch the game while enjoying hot mulled wine and mince pies prepared by Kirsty Brown.
Kirsty’s husband Kev took on the role of referee for the afternoon’s proceedings.
The captain’s team in blue started off strongly with tries from John McLaren, Lewis Knox and club captain Peter Duncan.
But, after a few changes to the starting line-up, the president’s team in red responded with a well-taken try by Paul Ireland – who was making a welcome return to rugby.
Rory Grant and Michael Simpson, home from Australia with brothers Stuart and Innes, then scored two more tries for the Blues.
Both teams made more changes at the interval, with some players changing teams.
This resulted in the Reds scoring three quick tries through a brace from Fraser Bissett and Paul Ireland.
With the game more evenly contested both teams produced some excellent passages of play.
Josh Key arguably produced the tackle of the afternoon when he upended fellow prop forward Alan Clarke with a crunching effort to loud cheers from the touchline.
The Blues went on to score four more tries through Rory Grant, Fraser Black, John McLaren and John Cockburn, the latter of whom was home from London.
The Reds responded with a try from Ken Giblin to make the final score nine tries to six to the Blues.
Following the match, players and supporters adjourned to the clubhouse to enjoy a few refreshments and some superb stovies prepared by Moira Crilley-Orr.
A club spokesperson said: “Organisers would like to thank all who contributed to a most enjoyable afternoon and evening, including Kirsty Brown, Moira Crilley Orr and Josh and Trish for manning the bar.”
Training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm with the next league game scheduled for this Saturday, January 6, away to Hillfoots RFC.
The spokesperson added: “Club president Stephen Souter and the Blairgowrie Rugby Club committee would like to wish all players and supporters of the club a happy and prosperous 2018.”