Rugby: Things looking up for Perthshire despite defeat

Sep 24 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perthshire 26

Dumfries 30

PERTHSHIRE’S mixed start to the league season continued against Dumfries in front of a large home crowd at the weekend.

But, despite suffering another defeat, the North Inch side showed glimpses of their undoubted potential.

The Eagles failed to get out of the blocks in the first half, resulting in the Borders side’s backs showcasing their skill and running power from the off.

After conceding a try, Fair City dangerman Jack Steele kept Shire in the hunt with a penalty.

A defensive mistake allowed Johnny Sloan to sprint sprinted 80 metres and score, handing Dumfries a 14-3 lead inside the opening 15 minutes.

Ever-dependable Steele slotted another superb penalty but, once again, the Dumfries back division carved Shire apart for their third try.

Egged on by the crowd, Shire’s forwards suddenly found belief and began to dominate proceedings – with the return of Garry Coull a tremendous boost.

The former National League ‘Player of the Year’ was seen all over the pitch, tackling and setting up counter attacks.

Jack Steele provided the finish to Shire’s best move of the game, scything across the line – his pace and power too much for Dumfries, with his left boot adding a further two points.

Coull, Pattinson and Anderson were leading the charges from the home side.

Their rampaging runs were denting the Dumfries defence, but a lack of support – coupled with an often poor final pass – meant the Eagles repeatedly failed to capitalise.

Steele converted another penalty, and had a good chance with a further effort, but the latter opportunity was spurned.

Perthshire’s tactic of attempting to hang on to the ball, reducing the potential for a Dumfries counter, proved to be highly effective.

Dom O’Connor showed he was adept at making half breaks, which could have produced better results had they been taken advantage of.

Jack Steele and Erlend Oag looked threatening and, when Pattinson showed great skill to dance down the wing – dodging several tackles – to score a great try, it looked as though Shire might pull off a victory as the deficit was reduced to a single point.

However, instead of clearing their line after a Dumfries attack had been repelled, Shire tried to maul their way forward and were penalised.

This resulting in an easy three points for Dumfries.

Oag then tore the visitors apart to advance 60 metres. Sadly, his efforts only garnered three more points from the Steele boot.

Minutes later, Dumfries looked to have scored again as they performed the rugby equivalent of ballet and keepy-uppy – somehow keeping the ball in play to touch down in the corner.

Unfortunately, their circus act proved in vain as the unsighted referee was unable to sanction the try.

However, they managed to hold on to record a narrow win.

The Eagles travel to Dundee tomorrow for a local derby against Morgan.

The club’s second-string produced their best performance of the season, beating Ayr 28-27.

The game was marred by what looked like a horrific neck injury to Dan Wilkie but, thankfully, he was released from Ninewells Hospital in Dundee with no broken bones.

His side travel to Hillhead tomorrow and victory there could see them top their highly-competitive league.