Saturday saw Shire take a break from league duties as they welcomed Edinburgh Accies to the Inch. The hosts knew they would have to seriously raise their game in order to come away with a win and they fought for the full eighty minutes. Accies, playing two leagues above the Perth men, showed their class from the outset and crossed the whitewash early in the match. Despite the best efforts of the home side, they could not contain the power and pace of the men from Edinburgh. Five tries were conceded over the first half and the Eagles were, realistically, out of the contest at 0-35.

In the second half, the hosts regrouped and upped their level considerably. Rory McKay rolled back the years as he outstretched a telescopic arm to finish off a sustained period of pressure, bringing the score back to 7-35. The supporters and players clamoured for a miracle comeback, but it was not to be as Accies continued to build the pressure and score another four tries in the second period.

The Eagles, despite the defeat, can take many positives from the match. Once again, the set piece was solid. The scrum, in particular, was excellent. They never gave up and finished the match camped on the Accies line, only to be thwarted by a solid defensive display from the visitors. The defence was brave throughout the contest, but the power and accuracy of the capital club told in the end. Final score: Perthshire – 7, Edinburgh Accies – 61

Saturday sees a return to league action as player-coach Gary Holborn’s old club, Berwick, make the trip to the North Inch. The Eagles will be fully focussed on an improved performance as they look to continue their challenge for promotion from National Three. All supporters welcome to come along for what will be an exciting encounter.