Eagles grounded by Heriot’s snare

Aug 29 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perthshire 14

Heriots 29

What a thrilling spectacle this proved to be as the Eagles came within a whisker of pulling off a major upset.

They dominated parts of this game but as it was just a pre season warm up the coaches switched the team around in the latter stages to ensure the whole squad took part.

Perthshire immediately tore into their opponents with the forwards winning good ball which the backs used with pace and flair as they caused Heriots all sorts of problems.

The huge Heriots forwards had the advantage in the scrums and line outs but in all other aspects of the game the Shire youngsters equalled if not bettered them.

Matt Smith almost opened the scoring with a magnificently angled run but won a penalty only to see Heriots steal the ball again from the line out.

They opened the scoring when their No 8 ran through after a five metre scrum but Shire swept back into the game after thundering tackles in mid field allowed Assenti to round his man and take off up the touchline.

The Heriot's cover couldn't stop him as he left the would be tacklers for dead. Carmichael converted.

Heriots forwards powered their way back into the lead and not even Coull, Pattinson and Anderson bringing off some superb tackles could prevent it.

James Fleming was next to score after more superb tackling from Carmichael and Assenti dislodged the ball and Fleming outpaced three defenders for another wonderful score.

The Eagles held on to their 14 - 12 lead until the desperately unlucky Doe was about to kick the ball dead for the half time whistle to blow but it stuck in the wet grass and Heriots could not believe their luck when they were presented with the gift try.

Matt Smith was causing mayhem in their ranks due to his powerful running and the introduction of Kyle Mitchell helped the line out but Shire struggled to cope with the sheer bulk of the visiting forwards as the game progressed.

Shire's back division operate at breathtaking pace and are a joy to watch while the forwards led by Coull, Anderson, Mackinnon and Pattinson are in magnificent form.

Rugby at the North Inch should prove to be more exciting than ever this season and the players will welcome the return of their supporters in numbers to help them in their drive for promotion.

Bus for Ellon leaves at 10.45am meet 10.30am

Selkirk 7's

Selkirk forms part of the prestigious King of the 7's circuit culminating in the world famous Melrose 7's in April. It is very rare for clubs outwith the borders or Premier 1 to be given the chance to participate and the Eagles were honoured to join the likes of Newcastle Falcons and the Scottish Academy in being invited to this tournament. A strong squad of Anderson, Coull, Smith, Mackinnon, Assenti, Carmichael, Fleming, Hickman, Mitchell and young Jack Steele performed magnificently eventually going down to semi finalists Peebles by 33 - 35. They outscored Peebles in tries but couldn't convert enough of them for victory. The appreciative crowd in the stands applauded the young team from the north whose 2nd half flurry of tries had them on their feet and Matt Smith was robbed of victory in the last second when he chipped ahead of the cover and if the ball had bounced straight up or to the right he would have scored but it took a cruel bounce left straight into the hands of a Peebles player who belted it into touch. Peebles with Joe Hickman guesting for them then swamped Hawick before going down narrowly to tournament winners Selkirk in the semi finals. Tournament rules allow teams who have been eliminated to supply players to other clubs who have suffered injuries and it is a testament to the class of Shire's squad that most of them were asked to play for other teams.

THE U16 have a home game this Sunday against Forresters. Meet at Bell's at noon for a 1 o'clock kick-off.

U18s – the team has its first league game, away to Ellon, tomorrow. The bus will leave Bell’s at 10.30am. Remember match subs and memberships.

Any questions contact W. Patterson on 07767-407047.

S1 and S2s

THIS Sunday, both S1 and S2 teams take part in Hillfoots development day. All players selected will have been notified by their coaches.

Both teams travel together by coach.

Meet at Bell’s at 10am, returning at approx. 4pm.

Smart dress please as you will be representing the club. The £3.00 match fee applies. Remember your gumshields.

There will be no training for S1 or S2s this Sunday.