Huge crowd sees Perthshire Rugby Club's victory

Nov 20 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perthshire 15

Howe of Fife12

PERTHSHIRE entertained almost 100 members and guests for lunch prior to this game.

They included sponsors Graham and Sibbald, as well as past players including: ‘Shire legends, Allan Brown, Graham Binnie, Syd House and the inimitable Rod McRae.

This helped to produce the biggest crowd of the season.

The Eagles responded by producing their best performance to date.

They knew Howe, second in the league, would prove a real handful and were not disappointed.

The Cupar side are renowned for attacking rugby and ‘Shire’s coaches worked hard looking for ways to contain them.

The pitch was wet in parts and muddy in others, therefore, it was always going to be difficult to play a running game of rugby.

‘Shire took the lead two minutes in, after Andy Elder was tackled late and Wayne Matson strode up to convert the penalty.

A minute later, Jack Steele was penalised and yellow carded – and Howe's Daly equalised.

Howe pressed continuously while Shire were depleted and some of their tackling warmed the hearts of many of the old home supporters.

Matson converted another penalty to edge Shire ahead and for the remainder of the first half Howe threw everything they had at Shire.

However just before half-time, they kicked a penalty to level the score.

Shire started the second period in tremendous form and Assenti and Oag tried to find a way through the defence.

Howe prevented two Shire chances and Matson and Daly exchanged penalties to level the score with 15 tense minutes to go.

Jack Steel went on a thundering run and almost scored.

But he won a penalty, and all eyes were on Wayne Matson as he attempted the pressure kick from 30 metres out on the right.

A huge cheer from the Shire players and supporters signalled it was over.

The team held on despite intense pressure from Howe in the closing minutes.

This was a superb victory for Shire over an excellent young Howe side.

Adam Pattinson was man of the match with his line out skills and driving forward play.

The big second row who was outstanding should be demolishing opposition in this manner every week.

Wayne Matson was awarded two stars while the fast-recovering Garry Coull earned one star.