Eagles ready for double whammy

Apr 10 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTHSHIRE suffered yet another weekend spent twiddling their thumbs after Dundee HSFP called off the sides’ arranged friendly.

But Shire now face the prospect of two difficult matches in succession, which should blow away any lingering cobwebs.

The Eagles’ 1stXV and 2ndXV take on Cartha Queen’s Park tomorrow and while the Seconds must record a victory, the First would like a win to breathe some life back into their season and ensure a mid-table finish.

One incentive the Eagles have is that if they win their last two games then they have a good chance of finishing ahead of arch rivals Morgan and gaining a reasonable top table finish.

With management having a full squad to choose from, the players are desperate to get back into action and put on a display to enthuse the home fans for the last time this season.

The ever-present George Clunie will be absent as he will be celebrating his birthday in London but this may well act as an incentive to the boys to do well in his absence.

The Eagles have given the home crowd some thrilling performances at the North Inch this season and tomorrow’s clash is building up to become an exciting prospect.

The players are determined to end the season in style and reward the Shire faithful with their inimitable brand of 15-man rugby.

The Midlands seven-a-side tournament will take place at St Andrews on April 26, the day after Shire compete at Langholm, which is one of the King of the Sevens tournaments.

The older Eagles players can also look forward to the first Scottish Golden Oldies’ Festival which is taking place at Perth on April 19.

Shire hope to welcome about 20 teams from all over the country to this inaugural event and last year’s world festival at Murrayfield attracted over 4,500 players from every corner of the world.

Competitors should include international players from the golden age of Scottish rugby as well as Jim Stevenson, the current president of the Scottish Rugby Union.

Preparations are well in hand for this prestigious event which will attract several hundred people to the North Inch and any help club members can give would be most appreciated.

Please contact Andy Cummins or Bob Lindsay if you are able to lend a hand on the day.

All spectators will be welcome at the North Inch tomorrow for Shire’s last home game of the season and everyone is welcome to join the players in the after- match celebrations to share in the highlights of the season. Kick-off will be at 3pm.