Rugby: Eagles might no match for Bulls pack

Feb 4 2011 by Iain Howie, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Hamilton 1st XV 39

Perthshire 1st XV 17

PLAYING only their second match in nine weeks, Perthshire undertook the hazardous trip to Hamilton to play one of the main title contenders.

Although Hamilton struck a penalty after only a couple of minutes to take the lead, Shire almost scored the opening try after superb inter passing by the forwards took play right into the Hamilton 22.

But the chance was lost when they were penalised for diving over the ruck.

Hamilton won a Shire line out and took play right into Shire territory where they almost scored but the referee blew up for crossing.

Instead of awarding Shire a penalty they were given a scrum and the powerful Hamilton pack demolished the Eagles to win the ball against the head and power over for a try.

The Eagles fought straight back and led by Jimmy Whyte, the forwards charged upfield before spinning the ball out to Jamie Coffey to pull back a score converted by Jack Steele.

A couple of minutes later, Shire had Hamilton reeling when once again the forwards supplied good ball – and this time Craig Assenti was given space to use his speed and he carved 40 metres through the Hamilton defence at full gallop to score a wonderful try again converted by Steele.

These two tries showed just what Shire could do if they were given decent ball but Hamilton’s superiority in the scrum was beginning to tell as they outplayed the Shire eight.

It was anybody’s game as the Eagles fought bravely even though almost every man was much lighter than his opposite number.

Shire were giving away far too many penalties as this allowed Hamilton to keep play well into the Shire half. After yet another penalty, Hamilton opted for a lineout and their forward play allowed them to bundle over for their second try.

Hamilton pressed to get another try but they found the Shire defence very resolute and they could not find a way through although when Hood was penalised at a scrum they squeezed three points to give them a fortuitous 20 -14 lead at half time.

Hamilton continued to press hard during the second half and they gained their reward following yet another penalty where they elected for the line out and the heavy forwards powered over for a try.

The Eagles fought back again with Clow and Moffat to the fore but the attacks petered out with knock-ons or dropped balls and Hamilton survived the onslaught and even managed to grab a final try at the end of the game.

The team have come through a couple of tough games and were unlucky not to secure a bonus point, but they have another couple of weeks on Premier Cup duty to get things right before the leagues recommence.

And with four or five teams deep in the relegation zone, the pressure is on for Shire’s coaches to get the formula right before the crunch games come around.

Dunfermline play host to Shire tomorrow in the cup and a win will give the boys a huge psychological boost. Kick off is at 2.30pm.

Shire are keen to integrate the Colts into senior rugby and the youngsters will be sharing the bus on Saturday leaving the clubhouse at 11.30am.