Rugby: Late drama as Perthshire triumph over Dundee rivals

Oct 1 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Morgan 29

Perthshire 30

A HAT-TRICK of late tries from Andy Whitelaw, Erlend Oag and Craig Assenti saw Perthshire exact revenge on Dundee side Morgan by the narrowest of margins.

Jack Steele aided and abetted with the boot once, converting a last-gasp penalty to ensure the North Inch side got their own back on their rivals from the City of Discovery, who defeated the Eagles last season.

A Kiddie penalty gave the home side the lead early. Simpson burrowed his way across the line for Shire shortly afterwards, but it was ruled out by the referee.

Steele equalised with a penalty before Kiddie kicked another two in the opening quarter.

Simon Moffat was yellow-carded and Morgan took full advantage of the extra man as they stretched Shire to the limit and scored the first try of the match.

The Perth side looked decidedly shaky at this stage, with Morgan increasing the pressure.

The host should have added to their tally when they broke clear up the wing.

But Steele made contact with the ball carrier just as he was about to touch down and saved a certain score.

Pattinson was once again the pick of the Shire forwards and was involved in almost every move, as well as collecting some superb line-out ball.

Kiddie ended the half with another penalty, leaving the score 19-3 at the break.

Steele bagged another penalty after the interval.

But Morgan again stretched Shire’s defence with powerful running and scored their second try, converted by Kiddie.

Young Ryan Hood came off the bench at hooker and turned in an impressive display.

His first game since starring for Scotland U18 in April, the youngster made a huge impression with his battering-ram approach.

The Eagles’ forwards gained in confidence as the game wore on and they realised they could more than match their opponents in all phases.

Whitelaw, having his best game yet in the famous hoops, collected the ball from the back of a ruck and dodged his way over the try line for a superb score.

Although Shire were still behind, with the score at 24-10, they were now playing with purpose and determination.

Though Morgan once again opened-up the defence with excellent running to score and increase the gap to 19 points, with 20 minutes to go.

Assenti, Oag and the devastating Steele came more into the game, the crowd sensing they were capable of scoring if they given half a chance.

It was Erlend Oag who gave the Eagles hope as he out-paced defenders to race up the touchline for a marvellous try.

Steele showed unbelievable skill, and a cool head, to stroke the ball between the posts, defying a swirling wind.

Craig Assenti showed his pace with a lovely try and, with Steele once again converting, the game was wide open.

Morgan were shell-shocked after seeing their considerable lead melt away.

The referee awarded Shire a penalty on the right-hand touchline.

Steele calmly walked up to take it, in full knowledge that a successful kick could seal victory for the Eagles.

The hushed crowd burst into applause as his monstrous attempt swerved between the posts and Shire earned a deserved victory.

Tomorrow’s match is at home against top of the league Whitecraigs kick off 3pm.