Shire crushed by Ayrshire bruisers

Jan 30 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Ardrossan Accies44

Perthshire 5

IN recent weeks Perthshire have dented the promotion hopes of Hillhead, Falkirk and Morgan with thrilling victories.

They have also knocked Berwick out of the cup and on Saturday travelled to Ardrossan with the intention of keeping them firmly rooted near the bottom of the league, thereby easing any lingering relegation worries for Shire.

Unfortunately, Ardrossan had other ideas and although they have only won four games this season, two of them have been against Perthshire.

With Ellon also winning and the rest of the bottom clubs having lots of games in hand, it is by no means certain that Perthshire are safe and the commitment they have shown in big games will need to be repeated in every single one they now have left.

Shire started well but within 10 minutes they found themselves 10 points down and never recovered.

They were a poor second to every ball and any ball that they did win was slow and ponderous.

The backs lacked their usual incisiveness and every move was far too telegraphed so that Ardrossan could easily snuff them out.

Andy Elder tried hard to inject some momentum taking quick penalties but he became totally isolated due to lack of support and once again the main attacking opportunities came from full back James Fleming's breaks but he too was left all on his own far too often and Ardrossan had him well shackled.

Perthshire have the unfortunate record of conceding more points in the league than any team apart from bottom placed Livingston and Ardrossan took full opportunity of their defensive weakness by scoring three tries in the first half and three in the second.

Some of the tries were very soft and should never have been conceded but even after being down 22–0 at half time, the Shire faithful on the touchline who had made the long journey to support their team still felt that they would waken up at any moment and normal order would be resumed.

Long term injury victims Ally Dall and Pete Saunders were brought into the fray but although they are extremely talented players, it is an impossible task to expect them to save the team after several months out of the game.

Ali Anderson and Garry Coull tried hard to ignite some passion into Shire's play but even when Ardrossan were down to 14 men they still looked the only side who wanted to win this game.

Ardrossan's astute but debatable use of front row replacements meant they were able to field a massive front row in the scrum and Shire's scrum was constantly under pressure.

Garry Coull grabbed a consolation try for Shire 10 minutes from the end but Ardrossan just rubbed further salt in the wounds with another try.

If the Eagles play with the same complacency against promotion seeking Dunfermline tomorrow then they will get demolished.

However, if they can restore the same pride and passion they have displayed in many matches this season they will be more than a match for any team.

Dunfermline visit the North Inch but nobody supporting the black and whites will be surprised if Shire bounce back and beat their old rivals. Kick Off 3pm.

Star Ratings – *** Andy Elder sponsored by Eden Events: ** Ali Anderson sponsored by AGSC Distribution: * Garry Coull sponsored by Meldrum Construction