A cold shoulder for rugby league

Feb 13 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTHSHIRE’S league match against Garnock was called off due to frost and snow last weekend and there is a strong possibility that tomorrow's match at the North Inch against Cartha Queens Park will also fall foul of the wintry conditions.

Supporters can check conditions by logging on to the club web site www.perthshirerfc.co.uk.

Despite the weather, some of Shire's star backs, who have been in outstanding form this season, have gained wider recognition and are set to star on the international stage.

James Fleming and Pete Saunders are both in the Scottish Universities squad who take on their French counterparts this week, and winger Matt Smith is the only Scot to have been selected for the British Fire Brigade team.

He has won three caps for the Scottish Fire Brigade and his "British Lions" debut will be on February 25 against Great Britain Police.

Negotiations are presently in place to have the match screened on Sky.

These are magnificent achievements and well deserved awards for the three Perthshire stars, and further evidence that players can play for their local club and receive international recognition.

Not only are the three men in international action but Iona Hally will be acting as sports masseuse for the Scotland squad during their Six Nations match in Paris tomorrow.

Iona has been splitting her time between the Eagles and international duty for some time now and is an integral part of both teams.

Meanwhile, the Eagles are finalising plans for a "Super Saturday" Cup Day at the North Inch on February 21.

The 1st XV are playing Selkirk in the 5th Round of the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup and both the Colts and the U15 teams will be playing in the semi finals of the National Bowl.

Selkirk are the current form team in the domestic game and draw huge crowds at Philliphaugh thanks to the unique brand of open rugby which saw them shoot to second spot in the Premier 1 division.

Like Perthshire, they are one of Scotland's oldest clubs and not too long ago boasted a host of Scottish and British Lions stars.

John Rutherford was arguably the best stand-off in Britain, and with the likes of Ian Paxton and Iwan Tukalo in their ranks, they have always been a powerful force in Scottish rugby.

Their 2009 team has a trio of players representing the Scotland club team but Perthshire will be sure to make a game of it – although some of the Eagles had already booked a skiing holiday prior to knowing about this crucial tie and will miss the action.

The club have organised some fantastic entertainment for the day and everyone is keeping their fingers crossed that the weather will relent in time for the fixture to take place.

A pre-match lunch is being held in the clubhouse which all supporters can attend although there are very few tickets left.

This will include a tasting of Scotland's finest whiskey from club sponsors, The Famous Grouse, as well as a sampling of products from the Scottish Liqueur Society and a three course lunch.

Entertainment will be provided by Perth and District Pipe Band.

Wine and a free seat in the new grandstand, sponsored by Fraser Hardie – which will be attended by some of Edinburgh's pro players – will also be on offer.

Anyone still requiring a ticket please contact Bob Lindsay on 07711281911.

There will also be a barbecue tent, an appearance by Edinburgh Gunner's mascot Scotty the Dog, a mini rugby guard of honour and match day commentary from Mark Reilly – the PA system for which is sponsored by Sam Gifford.

Youth Rugby

U15:On Sunday March 14 there is a home league match against Kirkcaldy on the Inch. Players should meet at the club at 11.45am sharp. Any quieries regarding weather please contact coach Andy Cummings on: 07717798698.