Hundreds cheer team in sunshine

Blairgowrie RFC made history once again at the weekend as they won 20-17 in the dying seconds of their BT National Bowl semi-final game against Strathendrick RFC on Saturday.

The game was played at JJ Coupar Recreation Park in Blairgowrie and the hard-fought victory sees the east Perthshire side make the national finals - which are played at Murrayfield in Edinburgh - for the first time in the club’s history.

Hundreds of supporters turned out to cheer their team on in glorious spring sunshine and were delighted by the club’s performance.

Going in to the game, Strathendrick - who had only lost one game this season - were arguably favourites to land the trophy.

But the east Perthshire side fought hard, defended well and held their nerve to clinch the win in the final minutes of the game.

Following the match, Blairgowrie captain Andy McOuat thanked the Strathendrick team for a good game and for being so magnaminous in defeat. Thanks was also given to the referee and linesmen, to Timmy Watson and Scott for manning the barbecue, Morag Wylie and Gordon for manning the bar throughout the afternoon, Trish and Josh for manning the clubhouse bar after the match and Moira Crilly Orr for preparing and serving the food.

Club president Fraser Bissett thanked the supporters for coming out in such large numbers, the many local businesses who sponsored the match, the squad for its historic achievement and the coaches for all their hard work in helping the club get this far this season.

Blairgowrie RFC will play Portobello RFC in the BT National Bowl Final and are looking forward to a fantastic occasion at Murrayfield on Saturday, April 22. Details of how to purchase tickets and book a seat on one of the buses are available on the club’s Facebook page.