Shire left frustrated after improved show
Promising signs despite narrow defeat in Glasgow
Perthshire Rugby coach Alan Clark believes his side has ‘turned the corner’ in recent weeks.
While the North Inch squad were narrowly defeated at Hillhead Jordanhill at the weekend, performances are improving.
The 24-15 loss in Glasgow’s west end was a frustrating one for Shire, who certainly provided supporters with an exciting afternoon of rugby.
Coach Clark said: “The guys were really unfortunate not to take something away from the game last weekend.
“They battled hard throughout but a couple of defensive lapses from us were the difference in the end. It could really have gone either way.
“The game itself was fairly exciting. I’d say both teams were there to play rugby and the ball certainly saw a lot of width so any neutral fans there were treated to a nice open game.
“I’ve been saying for a few weeks that the guys are coming together more and more and we now have a definite style of play we want to promote which has taken a while.
“The challenge is now to trust in that style and bring it together on the pitch.
“I definitely think we’ve turned the corner with the last three games and although there’s only one win in there we know what we are capable of now.”
Shire kicked-off on Saturday and looked full of purpose and energy but Hillhead grabbed the opening score following a well-worked move. Ryan Miller was unfortunate with a number of try attempts
The Eagles shook off this disappointment and the forwards began to dominate the lineout and loose play.
Robust drives by Duncan Clow, Dan Bowater, Adam Pattinson and young Andy Jack were to become a feature of the game.
They took play deep into
Hills territory and a superb lineout take and drive from Bowater allowed Zack Harris to feed the supporting Clow. Nobody could stop the big man from five metres out. Jonny Armitt hit the post with his conversion.
Shire were playing some great attacking rugby with the forwards battling through before the ball was spun out the backs.
Hillhead’s defence was up to the task, though, and the Eagles’ backs couldn’t create the necessary openings to carve out a try.
Play swung from end to end and it was positive viewing to see Shire’s defence had tightened up considerably from earlier in the season.
The home side did win a penalty, however, and decided to go for the scrum rather than take the three points.
They duly won possession and a long kick out to the wing was gathered by the winger who dived over for try number two.
Undaunted, Jack won a decisive lineout and Clow and Bowater again made a huge dent through the forwards.
That resulted in Bowater using every inch of his tall frame to plonk the ball down on the line. Armitt converted and Shire were well in the hunt at 12–12.
But a home onslaught would mount as the break approached - and they were rewarded with a try before the half-time whistle.
With only one try separating the teams, Clow tried his luck with a penalty from the halfway line but he hooked it and it slipped past the left hand post.
Both teams were going at each other hammer and tongs trying to gain the upper hand and although Shire’s scrum had now settled down and was competing strongly, the backs couldn’t get forward momentum.
It was going to take an individual effort to break the deadlock and travelling supporters were in full voice as Scott Alcorn moved off his wing to collect the ball in the centre. His burst of speed took him 50 metres clear only to be hauled down just short of the line.
Shire won another penalty and Armitt sent it straight between the posts to reduce the leeway to two points.
Ryan Miller probed continually for a gap in the Hillhead defence and he was desperately unlucky on several occasions as Shire tried to take the lead.
Professional teams can often be seen running the ball out from their 22 but the difference is they don’t usually make mistakes.
Shire tried to do this, lost the ball and Hillhead were gifted a killer try minutes before the end of the match.
The never say die Perth men stormed straight back though and Harris must have thought he would score as he slipped his opposite number and sped upfield. But once again Hillhead managed to get back and cover.
Shire won another penalty, kicked to touch a few metres from the Hillhead line but unbelievably lost their only lineout of the day.
Orkney make the long trek to the North Inch for league action this weekend.
Clark said: “Orkney are a familiar foe and had a fairly resounding win last weekend after a poor start to the season so we go into the game with them with an almost identical record.
“However, the confidence in our squad is high at the moment so I’m expecting us to come out on Saturday with all guns blazing.”
Kick-off is 12pm at the North Inch.
I definitely think we have turned the corner with the last three games