Shire are down but definitely not out
Young Perth squad put on a promising display
Perthshire ........... 19 RHC .................... 75
Perthshire Rugby was rocked this week with the resignation of head coach Rory McKay.
But, regardless of off-field matters, the relegated Eagles were determined to offer up a positive display against RHC on Saturday as the BT National League 3 season reaches its latter stages.
This was a game where Shire handed three players from the Colts a debut, as well as starting AJ Guthrie and Jack McIntosh who are both still eligible to play at youth level.
And at the other end of the scale, Andy Flavell was recalled for what must be his 35th season in senior rugby.
The game started badly for the Perth squad as RHC went into a 14 point lead in the first 10 minutes.
But they didn’t have it all their own way with Colts full back Ross Cameron, voted man of the match and having an outstanding game, able to pull off a couple of lovely try saving tackles.
The visitors did grab a third when they galloped through poor tackles up the wing to touch down for a score. Shire then almost managed a try of their own but Dan Wilkie was held up on the line.
Nothing could be done when a poor home line-out resulted in RHC forwards blazing through for an early bonus point score.
There would be two further tries for the Edinburgh side as half-time It’s been a bumpy season for Shire, who have struggled for continuity in the team
approached but the North Inch men touched down for one of their own, courtesy of Cameron.
Jamie Munro and Chris Paul are another two outstanding young talents who made their debut and they proved they can slot into this level of rugby with ease.
The two back-rowers tackled like demons and were not afraid to take the ball forward in contact. If Perthshire can retain the services of players like
these, then their stay in the Regional Leagues will be short term.
On this afternoon RHC rattled in another four tries in quick succession but, during the final 20 minutes when Shire were reduced to 14 men due to injuries, they suddenly found their confidence.
Another highly promising young player, Matt Gilmour, moved into scrum half and Bloice manned the wing where his game awareness and
strong defence tightened things up considerably.
Dan Rae went over the line but was held up as Shire pressurised the opposition. Ewan Macdonald retrieved the ball, though, and scored.
Bloice then secured try number three.
Perthshire make the long journey up to Orkney this weekend with a party of 30 players and officials - and this will mark the end of a difficult season.