Shire endure the Ellon cold front

Nov 28 2008 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perthshire Eagles 39

Ellon RFC 24

THE match kicked-off in calm but cold, mind-numbing conditions which spectators thought might affect the handling of the speedy Perth backs.

But that wasn’t the case and their smaller but very industrious and mobile pack soon established a foothold in the Ellon half after the kick-off.

The home pack contained three or four tall, heavy but mobile forwards who took some time to make their presence felt, mainly because the Perth pack moved them around the field by astute and fast rucking and recycling of the ball.

It was no surprise that after 15 minutes' midfield play, Perth full-back James Fleming opened the scoring with a penalty-kick conversion to make it 3 -0.

Next, busy centre Ross Browne scored after a clever break, his speed and bulk taking him over the line with Fleming duly obliging with the conversion (10-0).

From his own 22, Craig Assenti, the flying Perth centre- wing, set off and made an electrifying break through, beyond the Ellon midfield defence.

Showing a combination of coolness and nimble feet to the Ellon chasers over 80 metres, he jinked and changed direction, evading all in pursuit to score a blistering try under the posts.

Fleming converted to make the score 17-0.

In no time at all, the 'Shire pack had worked themselves into Ellon territory and another infringement by them allowed Fleming another opportunity to claim a further three points (20 -0).

Shortly before half-time, Ellon broke the 'Shire cover and went over for a good try between the posts after a mazy run-through by one of their centres and converted by their No. 10, a normally accurate kicker who had missed several previous attempts in the half.

The score at the break stood at 20-7 in Shire's favour.

This was a very satisfying total at this stage of the match, with most of Perth's points coming from searing running and accurate passing, with good support and a superb all-round display from full-back Fleming who was rapidly heading for the 'Man of the Match' Award.

'Shire turned round, having established a very useful lead against what has proved in the recent past to be something of a 'bogy' team for them, especially when playing away from home.

Unfortunately that proved to be the case earlier in the season when their No 10 kicker had a field -day with his boot in the second half and sent Perth home defeated.

Ellon scored a penalty from their No. 10 and then a further penalty to make it 27-17.

Affter the break, Assenti, who was having a hugely influential game, set off on a mazy side-stepping and speedy run that ended with him again scoring another excellent and unconverted try to increase Shire’s lead to 32-17.

Both the 'Shire XV and the freezing spectators sensed more than a repeat mini come-back by Ellon might just be on the cards and all hands had to return to the pumps and their efforts were rewarded.

Back-row forward McKinnon, who was having a storming, disruptive game at flank forward, produced a great rampaging touch-down.

His his huge effort was goaled by Fleming (39-17). But it was apparent that the 'Shire forwards didn’t have total control and Ellon turned up the pressure in the later stages and scored a converted try some five minutes from the final whistle.

The final score was 39-24 and was by no means as one-sided as the score might suggest.

It was fortunate Perth got away from Ellon in the middle third of the game and had more than sufficient gas in the tank to create some marvellous scores in a cracking game.

Star Ratings: *** James Fleming (Sponsored by Kilted Hairdresser) ** Stevie Knox (Awaiting Sponsor) * Neil Drummond (Sponsored by AC Management Consulting Perth Ltd)

Shire fully deserved their bonus points but their defence will have to tighten up seriously against league leaders Kirkcaldy, who provide the opposition at the North Inch tomorrow.

The game kicks-off at 2pm and the players would appreciate lots of support as this will be a very hard game.