Shire players’ winning turn Down Under

Apr 10 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

TWO Perthshire RFC players, Scott Russell and Lewis Johns have been on an extended break in New Zealand and were persuaded to join local rugby club Upper Clutha, in Wanaka.

Nothing too unusual in that. But, on their first appearance for their new club, they both scored three tries, each adding a total of 30 points to help see the team run out 52-0 winners in a local cup final against previously unbeaten Heriots RFC.

Lewis said: “The standard of rugby here is quite good and we have been able to share a lot of the training and skills we have learned form the Perthshire development team back in Perth, where Scott and I played all our junior rugby.

“I think people back home would get a surprise at how many people recognise Perthshire Rugby Club’s name.”

Scott added: “It’s great to be playing in the sunshine but you always have a special place in your heart for your home club.

“It’s great that Bob Falconer sends us copies of the Perthshire Advertiser every month so we can keep in touch, not only with the club but all the other local news.”