Shire on seaside trip for cup duty

Jan 9 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTHSHIRE’S players have had a two-week break after their match-winning display against Falkirk.

But tomorrow sees them making a hazardous trip down the A1 to Berwick-Upon-Tweed for the fourth round of the Scottish Cup.

Although Berwick have dropped from Premier 2 to National 1 in recent years, they have previously won the Shield and reached the cup semi-final.

They are also unbeaten at home this season but Shire can takecomfort from victories gained during their last three trips to the seaside.

Berwick have been busy over the festive season with a full fixture list and were narrowly pipped by four points against Gala last week, so will be fit and raring to go.

Although both teams will be giving their all to secure a victory, it will be by no means a disaster for whichever club loses as they will find themselves in the second tier Shield competition – and either could stand an excellent chance of winning that competition.

The Eagles will say farewell to stand-off Rob Mitchell who is leaving to take up a post in Belfast. Last year's top points scorer will be missed by the Perth club.

The task of re-inforcing the team for next season is well underway and former Shire favourite Joe Albert, from Taranaki, has been looking out for players wanting to join the Eagles.

As long as there are no problems with the visa application, Shire will be getting the services of a back who can play anywhere from 10-15.

Joe said he is a superb player, equally as good in any position – and has a monstrous boot.

He has played Taranaki Rep rugby as well as Taranaki B and is currently playing regional 7s.

The Eagles also have plans to entice at least one former player back, which would give the club an outstanding back division more than capable of playing in Premier 2.

However, it is even more important the forwards have more strength in depth and Loughborough student Craig Wallace hopes to be able to play for the club for at least the whole of next season rather than just during holiday times as he moves north on a placement.

Development Officer Andy Cummins is delighted with the plans and has several young players who will emerge from his Academy at the end of next season and he wants to see them taste Premier 2 rugby when they enter the senior ranks.

Andy is confident that the current crop of young elite players will be delighted to stay and help their club mount a serious challenge for further honours.

However, it is not just Academy players the club wishes to retain because different people develop at different ages.

It is imperative that the Eagles retain the bulk of the youngsters passing through their hands and encourage the boys to maintain their interest in rugby at all levels.

As well as providing them with a sport they can play into their 40s, which will maintain some degree of fitness, it also provides a valuable social network.

Perthshire are intending to enter a team in the forthcoming Scottish Golden Oldies tournament and anyone interested in taking part in this huge event should contact Andy.

The bus for Berwick will leave the clubhouse at 9.30am. Please meet at 9.15am. The kick-off is at 1.30pm