Perth Academy hold rugby Challenge Cup

Dec 25 2009

Perth Academy Challenge Cup

Rector’s XV 14

Coach's XV 17

RUMOURS that record Andrew Smith and coach Craig Mueller-Ahsman might make cameo appearances ensured a big crowd for the Perth Academy Rugby Challenge Cup, writes Craig Martin.

The match was fiercely contested from the start, with dynamic running and several thumping tackles in the early exchanges.

The teams were evenly matched and all the players rose to the occasion. Midway through the first-half the deadlock was broken when Jordan Gibson went over in the corner and Stewart Seaton converted the kick from out on the touchline.

This was backed up a few minutes later as Fraser Tomison drove over and, despite the attentions of two defenders, had the awareness to reach out and make the line. Mr Mueller-Ahsman was introduced into the game and helped hold back the attacks from the Rector's XV until the half-time whistle. This left the score at 12-0 to the Coach's XV.

The second-half started with the appearance of the rector, Andy Smith, to great applause from the crowd. Despite putting in several good tackles, he was unable to prevent Lewis Murrie scoring the opposition’s third try of the afternoon. At 17-0, it looked as if the Coach's XV would run away with the game but the Rector's XV rallied and their pressure paid off as captain Mark Jackson kicked on a dropped ball to score under the posts, with Ryan Johnston adding the conversion.

The Rector's XV continued to pile on pressure. Eventually their attack broke through as Oliver Williams scored another try under the posts, again converted by Ryan Johnston. This left the score at 17-14 and the chance of a possible upset. With only five minutes left, the Rector's XV tried again and again to score another try and win the game but the Coach's XV held firm to secure the game.

*The 1st XV are heading for Canada in June, 2010, and have produced a novelty calendar to raise funds. These are available from Perth branches of David Sands at £6 and include a free envelope. These are excellent Christmas presents and the players hope ex-Academy pupils and parents will support their fund-raising efforts.

RECTOR’S XV: 1. Gary Chan 2. Stevie Gray 3. Calum Roberts 4. Chris Martin 5. Oliver Williams 6. Scott Bannerman 7. Andrew Walsh 8. Mark Jackson (capt.) 9. Tony Johnston 10. Ryan Johnston 11. Jonny Bee 12. Rurardh Horne 13. James Cameron 14. Alex Duncan 15. Ross Nicoll 16. A L Smith

COACH'S XV: 1. Aarron Sharpe 2. Jack Kydd 3. Sean Mutch 4. Stuart Copland 5. David Fullerton 6. Gregor Thomson 7. James Wallace 8. Liam Pennycook 9. Lewis Murrie 10. Stewart Seaton 11. Jordan Thomson (capt.) 12. Jordan Gibson 13. Fraser Tomison 14. Peter Corrigan 15. Angus Boland 16. Calum Blyth 17. C J Mueller-Ahsman.