Perthshire Rugby Club stuck in forward drive

Nov 6 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perthshire 40

Cartha Queens Park 7

PERTHSHIRE and Cartha faced each other at the start of this match with two differing agendas.

Cartha wanted five points to get closer to the top two in the league and Shire wanted five to steer clear of the relegation zone.

Shire started well with Wayne Matson taking a fine penalty in seven minutes.

However, Cartha struck back after they had created space out wide to allow their winger a free run in for a well taken converted try.

Shire could easily have become dispirited but the forwards took the game to Cartha.

Craig Wallace and Dan Bowater were prepared to tackle all day and this is now becoming a strong feature of Shire's play.

Cartha looked dangerous out wide and seemed to have the knack of creating an extra man which was giving them scoring opportunities and they looked to have scored again after Shire were dragged inside leaving their winger free but the referee judged the final pass to be forward.

This galvanised Shire and Matson kicked another couple of monster penalties to give them a slender half time lead of 9–7.

He kicked another just after half time as Shire's forwards continued to dominate and the backs were beginning to fire on all cylinders.

A magical piece of running from Craig Assenti gave Shire their first try, which was converted by Matson, and the sense of relief could be felt all round the ground.

A few minutes later Matson somehow plucked the ball out of the air with the one handed ease which is his trade mark and sprinted down field for a try which effectively ended Cartha's resistance.

Gav Bloice at scrum half continually snapped round the edges of the scrum and he too found himself on the try sheet with a marvellous try as Shire found the confidence and spirit that has been lacking all season.

Jack Steele who was promoted from the Colts certainly did not look out of place at this level.

The big winger, looking like a young Matt Smith, tackled and ran as though he had played Premier rugby all his life and was rewarded by claiming Shire's 4th try and bonus point as his powerful running sent him over in the corner.

With Shire playing like this it was no surprise when Matson's conversion from the most difficult position on the field sailed between the posts to seal a morale boosting well deserved win for the young Perthshire side.

Saturday sees the boys undertaking the tortuous journey to the seaside again as they travel to Irvine who, although are struggling at the foot of the league, always give Shire a hard time on their own ground. While the 1sts travel to Irvine, the Reserves have the unenviable task of travelling down to Melrose. Nobody can say their league is not a challenge but the team are improving steadily and if everyone can make the journey this should be quite a match. 1st XV leave at 9.45 and Reserves leave at 10.45am

Garry Coull sponsored by Famous Grouse was awarded man of the match followed by 2 stars to Dan Bowater and 1 to Graeme Clow sponsored by Sellers Agriculture.

Bus to Melrose leaves at 10.45am and the time of the bus to Irvine will be advised.