Eagles bombard line of opponents

Apr 17 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perthshire 32

Cartha Queens Park 10

THE BRIGHT and breezy weather conditions matched the players' performance on Saturday as Shire's forwards overcame a powerful Cartha side to lay the foundations for this excellent win.

There was the added excitement of ex-international player Cammy Mather refereeing his first premier match, accompanied by a host of Murrayfield's hierarchy, and both teams contributed to the occasion by attempting to play hard, fast, open rugby during the match.

Cartha relied on their powerful pack to beat Shire into submission but the Eagles – despite being much lighter – had other ideas.

Craig Assenti sped down the wing in the opening stages and almost scored but, only a minute later, Ross Browne squeezed over to give Shire an early lead converted by Fay.

The home side bombarded the Cartha line with all they had but the lack of recent matches meant some crucial final passes and timings were slightly off.

Matt Fay eased Shire further ahead with a penalty before half time.

At the start of the second period Shire scored the best try of the game as Craig Assenti swept into the defensive line at the perfect angle to cut through Cartha for a magnificent score.

Five minutes later Ali Anderson sped 50 metres and before slipping the ball to Ross Browne who provided the killer touch.

Shire were now throwing the ball about with abandon and Elder and Assenti were soon stopped just short of the try line.

Saunders was being given a chance to stretch his legs as well but somehow Cartha kept them out.

Garry Coull, blowing hard as a result of his inactivity over the last few weeks, broke free and supplied a perfect scoring pass to Andy Elder and to secure the bonus point.

Cartha refused to lie down and came close on a few occasions before Matt Smith was unleashed in a trademark Shire move, which Ross Browne converted to secure a well-deserved victory.

A win against Garnock away tomorrow (Saturday) could see them seal a top five finish which would cap a remarkable end to a topsy-turvy season.

Wayne Matson's arrival coupled with the return of prop Craig Wallace, Caley under 18 player Etienne Melville plus at least one former Shire star returning to the team next season is already whetting the appetite for a determined bid to gain promotion in 2009/2010.

Players and staff are advised to meet at the clubhouse at 11.30am for a 11.45am departure.

Ross Browne is sponsored by Scottish & Newcastle Breweries

Simon Moffat is sponsored by AGB Developments

Ali Anderson sponsored by AGSC Distribution.