Shire buckle as pressure piles on

PERTHSHIRE 13 ARDROSSAN 29

Perthshire’s coaches had targeted this fixture as a possible win to ease any relegation fears and continue the push for a top-half finish.

But, as in the previous game between these two teams, the forward power of Ardrossan resulted in full points returning to the west.

The North Ayrshire men have been undefeated since early November and their determination shone through at the North Inch.

Shire had started impressively and carved out a 13-5 half-time lead before a disaster of a second half set the scene for a disappointing defeat.

Calum Bruce slotted an early penalty but the visitors soon took the lead by kicking a penalty to touch, winning the lineout and driving over.

The Eagles’ lineout wasn’t functioning well and they began losing ball, allowing Ardrossan’s forwards and backs to attack.

The home defence was outstanding, though, and counter attacks from young Kieran Ramsay in particular helped set up opportunities.

Scott Alcorn broke clear and looked to have scored but lost control as he was touching down for the try.

The injured Andy Jack was replaced by Patrick Coupar on the half hour mark, just as Ardrossan were putting pressure on the home scrum.

But it was Shire who were next on the scoresheet with a hugely opportunistic try from hard-working skipper Ryan Miller. He reacted quickest to pounce on a loose ball before dotting down.

As the half wore on Shire were living on scraps but, as Ardrossan attacked again, they attempted to kick over Alcorn’s head.

But he pulled the ball out of the air and sprinted downfield for Shire’s second try of the afternoon.

Ardrossan battled hard to grab a score before half-time but a magnificent turnover from Coupar prevented them from doing so.

The determined guests shot out of the starting blocks in the second half and winger Conor McCann scored before Shire had touched the ball.

They then nudged in front when the ball was fed from a lineout for Kyle Wood to crash over.

The game then settled into a pattern of scrums, penalties and lineouts as Ardrossan turned the screws and were rewarded with a penalty try.

There was little Perthshire could do to rectify matters but they did create several chances and never stopped tackling with intent.

Matt Rae had a chance when he evaded would-be tackles in his dash to the line but lost control of the ball a couple of metres short.

Ardrossan sealed the victory when another penalty was kicked to touch. The ball was delivered to full-back Andy Duncan who made no mistake in sweeping over the whitewash.

While the result was disappointing, Shire supporters would be pleased to see the return of Adam Dearden and

Shire struggled in the scrum against a strong Ardrossan side will be confident of a positive result at meant the east Perthshire men St Boswells this weekend. wrapped-up the silverware with two

Elsewhere, weekend celebrations games of the league campaign to spare. took place for Blairgowrie RFC after Blair will be presented with the they secured the Tennent’s Caledonia trophy at their final home game of Midlands 2 title. the season on Saturday. It’s a 12pm

The 41-22 away win against Madras kick-off against Panmure.