Youth rugby: Blairgowrie Rams meet Perthshire in new fixture

Nov 15 2012 by Clare Damodaran, Blairgowrie Advertiser

A number of players in various age groups travelled through for the first game in recent years between Blairgowrie and Perthshire.

The P3 Micros had their first experience of “touch” rugby and initially struggled against the Perthshire team, which usually plays in this format. However, the young Rams adapted and acquitted themselves well, and with a dashing run through the defence, Rory Easson opened the scoring.

Perthshire regrouped and quickly levelled the scores, and then scored a second. Alfie Meager scored a second try for the Rams and Perthshire also scored again making the score at half time 3-2.

The second half started in a similar manner, with some fast and furious running and passing. Perthshire was the first to score and then Andrew Wilkie showed again a real turn of pace and worked his way through the Perthshire side for a great score for the Rams. Perthshire scored again and the final score was 5-3.

The Rams then faced a second Perthshire team. Ruaraidh Walker opened the scoring for the Blairgowrie team, and Perthshire soon equalised. Andrew Wilkie scored again at the start of the second half and again Perthshire answered with a score of their own. Scores from Alfie Meager and Loghan McKelvie made the final result 2-4.

In the last game of the day for the P3s, the Rams took on a third and what seemed to be the most experienced team. Perthshire started off well and the Rams duly retaliated with a great piece of running and passing that allowed Rory Easson to score. Alfie Meager scored his third try of the day just before half time and at the start of the second half, Andrew Wilkie got his hatrick too. Final score 3-3.

The P4/5 match saw the Blairgowrie boys lose to the homeside 8-5.

The P6/7 team fared a little better. They faced two Perthshire teams and took an early lead when Fergus Barron ran from his own half to score. Blairgowrie played well as a team with some great rucking and support play. The Rams dominated this game, and ran in four more tries, two each for Hamish Allen and Fergus Barron, before Perthshire scored a try of their own on the whistle. Perthshire 1 Blairgowrie 5.

Although Blairgowrie played well in the second game, this Perthshire team was stronger and had a couple of good runners who gave the Rams some problems. Perthshire scored two good tries, but Hamish Allen stole possession and burst through the Perthshire players for an exciting finish. Final score 2-1.

With one win apiece, Blairgowrie faced Perthshire for a third time. The game started well, with a try from Fergus Barron putting the Rams ahead. Perthshire equalised before Fergus scored again to restore the lead. The Rams began to tire, and began to miss tackles. Perthshire drew level and then scored two more to finish 4-2 ahead.