Rugby: Narrow defeat for Perthshire

Sep 10 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Cartha Queens Park 29

Perthshire 16

AFTER playing Cartha three times last season, Perthshire knew they were in for a tough encounter at the weekend – and their fears ultimately proved to be justified.

However, the Eagles can take heart from the fact that – despite being on the wrong end of a defeat, by four tries to one – they could have stolen the points if luck was on their side.

Jack Steele put Shire into a lead with a first minute penalty, but the Glasgow hosts’ powerful pack gradually began to gain the advantage, driving incessantly at the visitors’ line.

The visitors did their best to repel their advances, until Number Eight Gillies barged over, following a penalty scrum, to put Cartha in charge.

Cartha’s tactics were simple but devastatingly effective, with relentless pick up and drive phases complemented with well-timed back play to open the game up.

Pattinson and Stone’s performances in the Shire line-out were superb, providing a platform for the attacking players to showcase their talents.

Penalty opportunities came their way as the Big County side stepped-up the pressure.

Steele landed two fine kicks to edge the Eagles in front.

Chances came and went for both sides, with Cartha showing greater organisation than in previous encounters.

However, after another superb take by Pattinson from a line out, the ball spun out to Jack Steele, who tore at the line at precisely the right angle to score.

His left-footed conversion sailed between the posts to give Shire a slender 15-16 lead going into the break.

Cartha were simply ferocious at each ruck and, whenever a Shire player was isolated, they were swiftly relieved of the ball.

A variation in tactics from the Eagles, such as kicking out wide or behind the on-rushing defence, may have perhaps paid greater dividends.

McCrossan, a recent Cartha recruit from Ayr, found himself in the clear wide on the right and his side soon had their noses in front once more.

And they stole a possible losing bonus point from the Eagles with what turned out to be the last move of the game.

Shire couldn’t halt a powerful driving maul which eventually rolled over the line and helped secure the spoils.

Perthshire now face a hazardous trip to Ardrossan. Coaches will leave the clubhouse at 11am.

The club’s second string are now well positioned in the league after a stunning victory over Kirkcaldy. They travel to Dalziel tomorrow.