The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Shire victory for Cope is birthday gift on big day
Woodside: Ryland sees win on 90th but defensive concerns for coach
we scored seven tries but not acceptable to concede five. We lack a cutting edge and must address our defensive set-up. Perhaps we should get Mr Cope to make a comeback.”
After being demobbed from the armed services in 1944, Cope played football with Highland League side Keith. He switched codes in the late 1940s, becoming a talented centre for Shire.
He said: “It was certainly an entertaining gameand a bit different from the games in my day.
“Whether it is a better game is not for me to say. I just hope the players enjoy it half as much as I did.”
Shire raced into a two-try lead, both converted by the excellent Carne Green who has become a reliable kicker and leader of his line from the key position of stand off.
But once again it was captain and number eight Greig Ryan who caught the eye, leading andforaging in equal measure while coming into the line to set up wave after wave of attacks.
Like Duncan, Ryan is concerned by Shire’s defensive shortcomings.
He said: “We can be our own worst enemies.”
Shire led 26-18 at halftime on the back of tries from prop Nikki Fraser, Green, winger Michael MacLugash and Ryan, three of which were converted by Green.
Shire were shaken early in the second half when the Glasgow- based West of Scotland side briefly took a 30- 26 lead. But Shire surged back with tries from centre Nat Coe, flanker DougHorrocks and hooker Andy Cook, two of which were converted by Green.
A late rally from the Burnbrae side yielded a try but the day belonged to the Woodside men.
“Fine to score seven tries but not acceptable to concede five”