High Scoring Atholl RFC Triumphs Again

Sixteen-year-old Fly Half, Matt Burrows succeeded with his second attempt, giving his team an early 3-0 lead. Right from the re-start Perthshire were on the offensive using their enormous forwards to work the “hard yards” up field into Atholl territory. After a succession of line outs and several phases of play involving the Perthshire forwards they eventually crashed over for an unconverted try and a lead of 5-3.

The Atholl pack upped their tempo in both the tight and loose phases of the game while the backs began to attack from centre field. With excellent support at the breakdown the ball was recycled quickly with a break by Centre Joel Boojers and after some fine interplay Full Back, Rich Bavey scored in the corner with Matt Burrows converting excellently from out wide.
From the re-start a wonderful catch and drive from young Hooker Blair Farron followed by an accurate chip kick & chase from 16-year-old Scrum Half Gareth Walker put the Perthshire defence in disarray. Lock Jack Low (another 16-year-old!) secured the loose ball which was shipped out to the backs who added pace and width to the move. Neat interplay followed, resulting in a wonderful try for ex-Perthshire player Fraser Maxwell. With the conversion missed the score then stood at 15-5.
After absorbing a period of sustained, but scoreless pressure from Perthshire, Atholl prop Colin Henderson charged out of defence despatching despairing tacklers with his power and pace. Forward control at the breakdown and a wonderfully judged touch kick saw Atholl once again deep in Perthshire territory. Flame-haired flanker Ali Fison executed one of his trademark bone-crunching tackles on the opposition Fly Half who, as a result, infringed and gave away a penalty. A pre-planned tap-penalty move again saw Colin drive at the heart of the defence. The good support and lightning quick ball from the ruck followed by a neat “one-two” between the centres saw Dave Walker squeeze over for a try, which was duly converted by Matt leaving the half time score 22-5 to Atholl.

Renewed Pressure
The second half began with a resurgent Perthshire team attempting to take full advantage of the slight slope. Their game plan appeared to be to utilise their far larger forwards to gain ground with ball in hand & use long, energy sapping rolling mauls. Atholl continued to absorb this pressure with disciplined and positive defensive play.
With turnover ball won in their own 22 metre area the slightly restructured back line confidently passed the ball out wide. Great interplay and support followed, sending squad pin-up Joel Boojers into space and over for the first of his brace of tries.
Although by now the game was running away from them, Perthshire never gave up battling at any stage of the match. They pressed on through their forwards and impact runners close to the breakdown. Unfortunately they were unable to make much headway due to the relentless aggressive tackling from 18-year-old Ali Fison who excelled in the contact area.
Atholl were playing with total control and confidence in every aspect of the game, which didn’t falter at all with the changing of players in the second half. Great forward dominance coupled with good communication and support play resulted in Blair Farron (also 18!) bursting through the Perthshire 22 metre area with two defenders attempting to bring him down. With strength, power and sheer determination he drove forward taking the tacklers with him to stretch over the line for Atholl’s sixth try of the afternoon.
Hungarian speed machine, Robert Teglas entertained the 50-strong crowd with his runs from deep inside the Atholl 22 area creating space and attacking opportunities at every opportunity.
The seventh and last try of the day was yet another true team score, appropriately rounded off by skipper and elder statesman Nick Radford who led his team superbly throughout the afternoon. With Matt kicking his fifth conversion the final score ended up 48-5 to The Highlanders of Atholl.
After the match both sets of squads and supporters enjoyed a fine meal & a few drinks at their “Clubhouse” - McKays Bar & Restaurant, Pitlochry - where Head Coach Murray “Muzza” Trail announced Flanker Ali Fison as Atholl’s Man-of-The-Match for his outstanding contribution in all aspects of the game.

Dave Walker