U13’s

Match Report – RGC Saturday 29th Feb 20 – A Difficult Game, On Many Levels

Early morning in Perthshire suggested a cold, wet and miserable day of rugby with extensive use of half-time hand warmers. But that was not to be.

It was a bright and clear morning in Aberdeen, the temperature was perfect and the pitches were holding up to the recent relentless rain.

Following a few words of remembrance and a minute’s silence for our lost friend Adam Pattinson the game kicked off.

This was the first game for Perthshire U13’s in some time and following weeks of training and cancelled games the players were keen to get going.

The team held their structure well, a lot of time has been spent recently working with the boys to improve their width, scanning and holding a defensive line. This showed early on with less “Honey Potting” around the ruck and the players getting set for the next phase. But a solid defensive line by RGC and some great first tackles meant that Perthshire struggled to break through. In contrast, although Perthshire’s defensive line was set, lack of communication allowed RGC to move the ball wide to out flank Perthshire. RGC started to tally up the try count with Perthshire’s lack of tackling practice also adding to their wows. RGC’s wall held which then lead to Perthshire moving the ball sideways with few keen to drive forward to gain ground.

However, Perthshire’s structure was strong and at no point did their energy levels or determination drop, the aggression that the players had was focused on holding RGC and did not turn inwards as has been seen in previous games.

By half time RGC were 8 tries to 0 up. Some stern but encouraging words from the coaching staff at half time re-iterated where the team needed to improve.

In the second half Perthshire had the advantage of the slope and the team came out with new vigour. In contrast to the first half the team were determined in their attack. The realisation that the gaps were there if Perthshire attacked them started to even the try count. Close support gave Perthshire options to move the ball and create opportunities. Defence improved also including a text book tackle from Josh Whyte, below the knees, bands of steel and straight to his feet to challenge for the ball.

Tries from Max G, Ramsay and Harvey gave the team hope. By the end of the game Perthshire were on the ascendance and RGC were happy to kick the ball into touch to finish the game with a final score of 9 tries 3 conversions to RGC and 6 tries 5 (21-17) conversions to Perthshire.

Man of the Match was a hard choice for the coaches as all players contributed well but was finally awarded to Max G for strong runs from Full Back cutting through RGC’s defence.

But also in consideration were

Leo – For his high work rate and tackling throughout the game

Stewart – For his work in the centre, both on and off the ball

Harvey – A good performance as scrum half and leading the team forward with his passion and aggression.

There is still plenty of work to do but the team gave a performance that they and the club should be proud of.