Perthshire Rugby

Shire U16s beat Dundee to Clinch Caledonia Cup


They did it! The U16s, after beating Madras, Aberdeen Grammar and Deeside in previous rounds, faced Dundee in the final and came back with the Caledonia Cup. It was a dramatic nail biter too!

The pre arranged finals venue was Highland RFC on the outskirts of Inverness, bathed in glorious April sunshine, short sleeves and sunshades were the order of the day and the magnificent Perthshire gazebo looked great with its big black and white flags fluttering in the brisk wind across the canal side ground. Three Shire teams had travelled up for three Cup Finals – the Colts, U15s and U16s – a fantastic achievement for the club. All our teams also faced Dundee who had also performed well to get through in the same age groups.

The U16 game was a nervy affair with both teams constricted by the tension of the occasion – no spectacle of champagne rugby was this – more a gritty pulverising boxing bout in which 2 evenly matched sides fought bravely for territory and advantage as the battle swayed first one way and then the other.

Dundee were in Shires half for most of the first quarter, dominating the scrum and getting all the reffing decisions. It was therefore a surprise when Shire eventually got one their favour and their strength began to show with scrum gradually becoming more solid and the backs putting together some good attacks. This pressure resulted in a kicking opportunity for Connor Sutherland but the punt drifted just wide in the gusty conditions.

It was a constant ebb and flow as each team traded tackles and attacks and the tension was palpable. The encouraging cry of ‘Lets have a quick one before half time’ from a Perthshire Mum was welcomed by the Dads but it was still nil each at the break.

Scores did however come in the second half. Ben Vardi tireless in attack and defence in this game scored a great try and things began to happen – space opened up and both teams started running with greater purpose. David Peddie was outstanding, at one point putting in an instinctive try saving steal when Dundee were in flat out attack. Shortly after that Scott Alcorns steal right on the Perthshire try line was another defensive save but Dundees siege eventually and deservedly gave them their try.

Dundee were probably stronger in the last stages of the game but could not breach the Shire defence and the game finished 5 points each.

Word of an unfamiliar tournament rule had begun to circulate amongst supporters before the game drew to its close. Due to the time constraints in tournament format it was stipulated that in the event of a draw the first team scoring a try would be awarded victory. When the Shire lads were informed of this as they trudged off the pitch they suddenly whooped and celebrated. Dundee were devastated.

Yes it would have been better if there had been a clear cut winner but from a totally biased perspective I think our lads just shaded it and that justice was done.

All our boys were heroes on this special day. Robert Tainen led by example as everyone scrummed, scrapped, ran and fought for Perthshire with huge commitment and concluded an amazing season with the ultimate prize.

A huge well done Lads.

Lastly a special mention about coach Clive Williamson who has put in a massive shift as coach over recent years and for all the hard work and dedication you have put in with Alisons support we extend a big thanks to you both.