Falkirk visited Crieff & Strathearn and like Falkirk they were celebrating their 40th year anniversary.

Playing 12 aside does not suit the Falkirk team as it negates the strength of the Falirk side, Falkirk were also hampered by injures and late call offs. A reshuffle of the remaining players saw Falkirk forced to drop their flankers into the backline and an experimental team took to the field. However, the Crieff team looked as though they had been playing together for awhile and took the field with an air of confidence.

The first half was a physical game with both teams giving their all but it was littered by mistakes, poor skill level and in particular from the Falirk side poor decision making. Needless to say the 1st half was a low scoring game.

Half Time: Crieff & Strathearn 12 V Falkirk 5

Changes were made by the coaches and the players were sent out with the sole objective of playing rugby as a team. The difference between the 1st and 2nd half was like night and day, Falkirk came out fighting and more importantly started playing rugby as a team. They began to better structure their game and put phases together, their offloading and quick rucking game became the dominant force on the field of play and their set piece was exceptional. Crieff could not cope with the visitors play and Falkirk ran in 6 unanswered tries, alas converting only one.

Final Score: Crieff & Strathearn 12 V Falkirk 37

There is no doubt that the Falkirk team are better suited to the full 15 aside game, this shortened version does not help our play as we tend to function as individuals rather than as a team. Crieff were worthy opponents, they ran and supported their team mates for the entire game, especially with Falkirk in the ascendcy.

Man of the match was Rob Fairweather for his all round play and adaptability.