Girls continue rise with trip to capital National Shield will be great experience for team
Talented girls at Perthshire Rugby Club are looking forward to producing scrumthing special this weekend.
The forever-improving group will be in the capital to join forces with Montrose, Dundee and Strathmore as a Tayside team compete in the National Girls U16 Shield final.
The much-anticipated fixture, against Caithness, is scheduled to take place at 11am on Sunday at the DAM Health Stadium, Murrayfield.
The team secured a spot this weekend thanks to recent success where they won all of their pool games.
Despite being beaten later on by Stirling County in the semi-final, the girls were praised for an “outstanding” effort and they will now proudly line-up in the capital.
Head of Perthshire’s Midi section, Carol Ann Rose, noted: “The National Cup competition has been a hugely positive experience for all, bringing long overdue levels of equality to girls rugby and finding a level at which the players can push themselves onto better levels of achievement as players and individuals.
“It has been impressive how all the players have come together from four clubs across Tayside - instantly creating an inclusive and welcoming environment. Perthshire Rugby is extremely proud of the girls and we will be there to support them on the day.”
A number of teams across the club have impressed so far this season and are also in the running for sought-after silverware.
Perthshire Colts, the under-16s and under-15s boys have all advanced to the Caledonia Cup semi-finals this weekend.
The Colts are first up on Saturday and hit the road to take on Mackie having, in the previous round, got the better of Aberdeen Wanderers.
In an overall impressive display, the team managed to shut out the opposition and scored steadily throughout the game ending up with seven tries, four conversions and a 43-0 win.
This Sunday, the under-16s also head to the north-east for a semi-final encounter with Mackie.
The U16s passage through to this stage of the competition was earned earlier this month when they welcomed Orkney to the North Inch.
Early exchanges had shown that both sides were up for the challenge, with forwards battling it out admirably.
But Shire eventually secured some good position midway through the first half and, with the ball passed out to the backs, ran in two tries.
Orkney fought their way back into the game and, after a prolonged period camped inside the 22, scored a wellearned try. Half-time saw Shire lead 12-7.
The coaches always have confidence in fitness levels and this showed in the second half, with the young Eagles scoring a further five tries to one in response for a comfortable 39-14 win.
On home soil in the cup this Sunday is the under-15s and a large North Inch support would be appreciated by the team.
Opposition for the last four encounter will be provided by Highland
RFC, with a kick-off time of 2pm.
The U15s recently hosted Ellon in the quarter-final and a nail-biting game from start to finish was a treat for fans.
After a frenzied first 10 minutes, Shire settled down and the first try came through simple rugby played well. A second quickly followed.
Ellon responded with heart which saw them fight back with a try from their left wing outpacing the defence.
The second half continued at the same pace but determined Shire doubled down on their effort and eventually recorded a 19-5 triumph.