Rugby: Musselburgh 19 Perthshire 16

Oct 15 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Musselburgh 19

Perthshire 16

PERTHSHIRE’S players and supporters will take little consolation from securing a losing bonus point following another weekend defeat, despite dominating most of the game.

Shire’s pack welcomed the return of proud new dad, Garry Coull, who gave them a bit more solidity and ball-carrying ability.

The visitors started the game in determined fashion and almost scored a try, but the referee was unable to confirm that the ball had been grounded.

Jack Steele, who has been playing at full-back all season but was shifted to centre at the start of this clash, was forced into another positional change and moved to stand-off.

Bryan Mitchell came on at centre when Whitelaw went off injured.

Steele had a chance to put his side into the lead after pressure resulted in a penalty for the Eagles, but he failed to convert.

Musselburgh then converted a monstrous effort in return for three points, but Shire shrugged this off as they continued to pile on the pressure.

Just a minute later, Steele kicked a penalty to even the score.

Both Duncan Clow and Adam Pattinson reigned supreme at the lineout. Pattinson, in particular, is emerging as Shire’s star player this season.

The hosts regained the lead through another Walls penalty. The little scrum-half, who stole the game from Shire’s grasp last season, was looking very dangerous again.

Gavin Bloice dived through a maze of players to score a well deserved try converted by Steele.

The Perth side continued to attack at the start of the second half, until Musselburgh broke out and were able to run through weak tackling in the backs.

They took play right up to the Shire 22 before a brilliant tackle by Gav Bloice prevented a certain score.

Shire won the ensuing ruck but Jack Steele’s attempted clearance was charged down – with Musselburgh gratefully accepting the gift and crossing the line.

Steele put the Eagles back into the game with a huge penalty to temporarily level things up.

Andy Flavell was yellow-carded seconds after taking the pitch and Shire were a man down.

The home side seemed to regain their confidence as the game opened up and they gave the Eagles’ defence a stern test.

With 20 minutes to go, the irrepressible Walls had the audacity to attempt a drop goal from the half way line and it sailed between the posts.

Shire consequently redoubled their efforts and young Andy Hall almost brought the house down with a rousing break downfield, which ended five metres from the Musselburgh line.

The visitors from the Fair City’s North Inch then had another try disallowed.

And a moment of madness allowed Musselburgh another needless penalty. Walls, once again, gratefully accepted the opportunity.

Steele kicked between the posts to keep Shire tantalisingly close.

The away support were jubilant when Steele sliced through for a score, which was disallowed because of crossing.

Nerves were on edge as both teams attempted to see out the game.

Unfortunately for Shire, they couldn’t muster the energy to cross the whitewash one more time.

Tomorrow the Eagles entertain Hamilton in Perth.

The club’s second-string enjoyed a comfortable 44-10 victory over Musselburgh in a national reserve league match in Pinkie.

Coaches have said that the second XI are maturing into a formidable outfit, and several of their best players are vying for a place in the club’s top team.

They face Hamilton at home tomorrow in a 3pm kick-off.