This was a hard-fought and closely-contested encounter on a crisp sunny autumnal morning on the North Inch. Perthshire started the stronger with some strong driving play through the forwards with notable early contributions from Tom M, Ben and Lewis R. The backs complemented the forward momentum with some good stepping runs from Jack and Tom C. There was also good low tackling from the Perthshire forwards and strong tackles out wide by Tom C and Angus L. In fact Angus L tackled extremely effectively in open play throughout the match.

There were early tries for Tom M and Jack but Crieff's backs were very strong in defence and always managed to get up fast and put pressure on Perthshire when the ball was moved wide. This pressure, combined with good pace and handling, lead to a try for Crieff's Hamish. After a scrappy phase of play from both sides, Perthshire rallied with some good support play but this was matched by stubborn resistance from Crieff in defence. Finally, a forceful drive from Ben, and support from Tom C finished with the ball in the hands of a very determined Blair who showed good strength to reach the line and take the scoreline to 9-3 in the Eagles favour at the end of the first third.

The second third started with Crieff in the ascendancy. After a secure scrum Crieff moved the ball well and Fraser scored down the left flank (9-6). Perthshire responded with good energy throughout the team. Angus L made a thrusting burst from deep and there was good link up play with Tom C, Blair and Kyle who took the ball well and at pace on the wing. Perthshire had the line in front of them but just managed to spill the ball in the act of scoring. Crieff continued to exert good defensive pressure out wide and hustled the Eagles into knocking on. Old, wise Andy C, the ref, sensibly let Crieff play advantage and they supported in numbers, again with good pace and handling, to allow Gregor to score. The try was converted and the score moved to 10-9 to Crieff. Old and not-so-wise Andy R, on the touch line, offered vocal encouragement to the team and they responded positively with some prolonged pressure on the Crieff line. Crieff's tackling, however, remained strong with a an impressive driving tackle from Robbie sparking a passing movement that was finished off by Fraser for his second try. There was a second conversion to move the score to 14-9 at the end of the second third.

At the restart Perthshire came back with more impact. Tom M made another impressive weaving run through the opposition forwards. Angus L continued his good play with a kick in behind Crieff's defensive line and aggressive forward play from Ben and Lewis finished with the ball in Blair's hands and his second try (14-12). Perthshire kept up the good work and Ryan, who had worked hard throughout the game, broke clear and showed excellent speed and an impressive leg drive to take Perthshire deep into Crieff's half. Angus W also made a strong contribution with some powerful driving play throughout the game and he now linked well with Ryan who made a second powerful run. However, a little against the run of play, but with good running, pressure and support from Crieff they managed to launch a break away movement from a defensive kick which gave Gregor another try and moved the score to 17-12.

The Eagles worked hard to finish strongly. Ally, who had linked well at scrum half all day, put in a very strong covering tackle on the right wing. Angus L and Tom C also put in some more solid defensive efforts and Jack continued to show good feet with a number of darting runs. Craig was down for the first time and found himself on the wing. Although thrown in at the deep end, he held his position well in the line and worked hard in defence. Lewis C, in the centre, although a little slow up in the defensive line, never gave up and showed good determination to chase across and put in a good covering tackle.

The match finished 17 - 12 to Crieff but both sides worked hard and came away with many positives on which to build.