Rugby: Howe of Fife 32 - Perthshire 21

Sep 16 2011 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTHSHIRE travelled to Cupar to meet old rivals Howe of Fife on Saturday but despite drawing level after a poor start, they were pipped at the end of a thrilling match.

The team was much changed due to injuries with Derek O’Riordan starting at number 12

The 2ndXV’s match against Aberdeen GSFP had to be called off due to the current spate of injuries and absences in the Eagles squad.

Howe kicked off and barely two minutes had passed when Craig Letham kicked Shire into the lead with a well taken penalty.

The game was being played end to end at a frantic pace and Neil Drummond was unfortunate to be yellow carded by ex Shire player and referee Martin Hose.

Howe showed their confidence by opting for a scrum instead of a penalty kick but after several infringements the referee ran out of patience and Howe were awarded a penalty try, converted by Martin.

Far too often Shire’s big men went to ground too easily as they took the ball into contact and the supporting players were just falling to ground rather than staying on their feet thereby giving away loads of penalties. Howe stole a lineout and the ball was moved swiftly out wide as full back Daly slid into the line to score. Martin again converted.

The fast running Howe backs were keeping Shire on their toes but number eight Mason collected the ball at pace from a ruck and broke through the attempted tackles for Howe’s third try in 25 minutes.

Worse was to follow as Ross Angus was taken off injured and another major reshuffle saw O’Riordan move back into the forwards.

Letham was unsuccessful with another monster penalty effort from half way but O’Riordan added some much-needed steel to the forward effort at last as Shire began their revival.

Elder took a quick penalty by himself and somehow managed to wriggle over the line for a welcoming try and reduce the deficit to 21 - 8. Shortly afterwards, Matt Smith took out two would-be tacklers and slipped the ball to the supporting Dom O’Connor and the speedster needed no invitation to squeeze through the tiny gap and race for the line.

Letham converted and Shire were back in the hunt. Letham kicked another penalty to bring Shire within three points of their hosts. The second half saw both teams battling for supremacy.

Letham’s boot brought the teams level with another superb penalty but O’Riordan had to leave the field injured just as Howe hit back with another penalty to regain the lead.

Moffat and Coull were leading Shire’s forward attacks but disaster struck with five minutes to go as Howe stretched the Shire defence once too often and managed to outpace the cover for their final try and bonus point.

However, the suspense was not over and O’Connor again showed his skills with a lovely break and only a last-gasp tap tackle prevented him from scoring.

Martin compounded Shire’s misery by converting a penalty in the final play of the match.

Saturday’s kick offs are at 3pm and the 1st XV match is sponsored by Blackadders Solicitors and the ball sponsors are The Bean Shop.

Past players are reminded that Andy Ritchie will be organising a past players lunch before the game. Please contact Andy on 07753739072 to join the party.