Shire’s slow start to the new season

Aug 8 2008 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

AFTER a short summer break and a few weeks’ training, Perthshire had an inauspicious start to their pre-season matches when they struggled to find form against well-organised teams from Aberdeen Grammar School FPs and Whitecraigs.

On the plus side, all players were involved in a tough work-out and they are probably ahead of last year in their preparations.

The players will have a very tough season ahead and already no fewer than seven of last year’s 1st XV squad have left or will be leaving the club.

Perhaps the biggest disappointment, however, is that nobody will be graduating from the youth set up this year and competing for the 1st XV.

Both Erland Oag and Tony McGuiness would have proved invaluable to the 1st XV this season but as they are going to Aberdeen University, the club could not expect them to undertake the gruelling travelling as well as concentrate on their studies.

Everyone at Shire wishes them good luck and they will be most welcome at the club whenever they wish to return.

Vice-president Bob Lindsay commented that he was “disappointed” to be losing the nucleus of the team but it creates an opportunity for players who were aggrieved at missing out last season to prove they are able to step up and take over.

“Perthshire will always be a club who will develop from within through their impressive youth system but will always face an uphill task due to players moving further afield to continue with their studies.

“What angers me most of all though is that clubs in the same division as us can approach our players and offer them vast incentives to play for them.

“We are effectively disadvantaging ourselves by committing our resources to growing the game at school and youth level but we firmly believe this is the only long- term solution.

“Any player who has the ability and wishes to play at the top level will be encouraged to do so and coach Andy Henderson will always keep communications open so that players can return to Shire whenever they wish.”

At least two new players will be travelling to Perth in the coming weeks to boost the team’s title challenge and with 3 teams competing in league rugby there is ample scope for new players.

If you reside in Perthshire and want exposure to top class rugby please feel free to come along and join the fun.

The real build-up starts tomorrow with a challenging match against Howe of Fife at the North Inch, kick-off 3pm.

This is a chance for the Shire faithful to come along and watch the new look squad in action and a big turn-out is anticipated.