RUGBY CLUB

Perthshire Rugby Club’s first home match following the tragic death of Adam Pattinson was always going to be a hugely emotional event.

The sight of the first and second XV lined-up with Murrayfield Wanderers, Bannockburn and the match officials for the minute’s silence brought tears to the eyes of the large number of supporters on the touchline.

Adam’s kindness, personality, leadership and the genuine love and respect he showed to everyone he met personified why he was held in such awe by all his friends at the club and beyond.

The number four jersey which Adam wore with such pride and distinction for more than 15 years was presented to the family by club chief executive Allan Brown and captain Ewan MacKessack-Leitch in a very touching ceremony.

Murrayfield’s captain Alex Godsmark made a very generous gesture on behalf of the opponents by agreeing to frame the jersey in a presentation case.

Perthshire’s players were hurting at the loss of their friend and team-mate and they responded to the occasion by making themselves available in numbers. The atmosphere around the North Inch was highly charged and the turnout was a testament to the respect everyone had for Adam.

Straight from the kick-off the crowd sensed that this was no ordinary game and within a couple of minutes Matt Rae sped over for the opening try.

The early pressure applied from Shire was relentless and Jonny Armitt slotted a penalty, quickly followed by an interception from Jay Pettie on his own line. The flying winger then ran 90 metres to open up a 13-0 lead.

Murrayfield are a strong team and gradually battled into the game, but Perth forwards and backs were tackling like men possessed.

Shire kept up the pressure and an audacious cross kick from Armitt almost brought another score.

A few minutes later Dan Bowater, Duncan Clow and Ewan MacDonald blasted through the middle, allowing Bowater to finish off with a powerful surge over the line.

With an 18-5 half-time lead, this was an impressive display from Shire who were aided by the return of Clow, Bowater, Ross Angus, Ryan Miller, Ross Goodison and Pete Saunders.

A bad mix-up between Pettie and Armitt did present Wanderers with a clear run-in for a try to narrow the gap.

But Pettie soon marked his very impressive display by evading all tackles, then producing a smart hand-off, to dive over for his second try.

Later, Angus and Kieran Ramsay both made yards before Rae capped a fine afternoon by outpacing everyone on the right wing to score for what was now a comfortable cushion.

Peter Walker, the Murrayfield flanker, brought proceedings to an end with the visitors’third and final try.

The skill and determination from Perthshire was a sight to behold and every single squad member played their heart out for their former skipper.

It was an exceptional victory under exceptional circumstances and every player could be proud of their efforts.

Perthshire now face Strathmore on Saturday, kick-off 11.30am at the North Inch.