Rugby: Shire fall at the last

Sep 9 2011 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perthshire27

Greenock W 33

SHIRE’S clubhouse was a hive of activity before the match as players from the past and present as well as supporters, met for lunch to catch up before the first home game of the season.

It was good to see the place buzzing again as old and new friends passed the time before the much-anticipated kick off.

Weather conditions were perfect as Greenock kicked off and within five minutes they were in the lead when they sped the ball out wide for Watson to sprint over in the corner.

O’Riordan urged his forwards on and the bigger Shire pack began a period of ascendency which yielded three points as Craig Letham slotted a penalty.

Dave Rattray had the home crowd cheering when he jinked his way 60 metres downfield but when he was eventually stopped, Greenock managed to steal the ball and clear the danger.

Shire went on to win another penalty as they increased the pressure and Elder spotted a gap as he took a he took a quick tap. He set the ball up perfectly and the powerful O’Riordan stormed over between the posts for the Eagles first try converted by Letham.

Shire were on top now and dominating proceedings but far too often they just gave possession away with aimless kicking downfield.

These kicks were food and drink to the Greenock back three as they ran the ball back at the Eagles with interest. Rattray once again stole the show with a powerful run as he weaved through despairing tackles before unleashing the supporting Ross Angus who battled his way for a superb try.

Craig Letham again added the full points. Shire had the Wanderers reeling but again a loose kick gave them possession and the ball was ran at full pace to a disorganised Shire defence and Watson again streaked over to score.

Greenock dug deep after this and O’Riordan stepped in with a saving tackle as play moved from end to end in a thrilling first half with Shire holding on to a narrow but well deserved 17-12 lead.

A few minutes into the second half Ross Angus showed tremendous power and strength to break 3 tackles and score. Letham completed the 5 points with a well taken conversion. Ross Angus was involved in nearly every Eagles move and proving a real thorn in the flesh. Letham managed to stretch the Eagles lead with another penalty and Greenock were struggling to contain them.

However, Shire’s defence out wide was left exposed as McGroarty used his ample pace to stretch Shire to the limit and bring Greenock right back into the game in 65 minutes. The Eagles still had an 18 point lead and a half break by O’Connor allowed Dave Rattray to once again split the Greenock defence to score but the referee adjudged the pass to be forward. Shire maintained the pressure and won another penalty in front of the posts.

Derek O’Riordan kept faith in his forwards and opted for the scrum but Shire lost the ball and the chance was gone. Greenock moved the ball at pace down the wing and the Shire defence was non-existent as McGroarty again sped over for a decisive try.

From being in command of the game, Shire were now fighting to stay in the lead and once again a poor kick landed gratefully in the hands of the Greenock midfield and they needed no second chances as they again careered down the field and through the spread-eagled Eagles defence without a hand being laid on them.

This was a heart-breaking end to a game which should have been wrapped up 15 minutes before the end but the coaches have plenty of positives to work on this season.

Tomorrow’s game is at Cupar versus Howe of Fife, kick off 3pm and players and supporters will be travelling by car due to the short distance involved. The seconds scored a superb victory over West of Scotland and travel to play Aberdeen GSFP tomorrow. Bus leaves the clubhouse at 12.15