Aberdeenshire were the visitors to Inchmacoble on Saturday, where a large crowd had gathered for the 2pm meeting between the two sides.
With the floodlights on and the players warmed up, the game kicked off. Receiving the kick, Strathie retained possession well and began to build phases - with the experience of prop Dave Cashley paying dividends. The forwards created a good platform for Stewart Ross to clear the ball into touch and take the pressure off the Black’s shoulders. However in the 10 minutes which followed, Aberdeenshire showed just why they are sitting clear at the top of the league and unbeaten in the process. Stuart Gray and his team knew they could upset the northern men, and Gray lead by example making several huge tackles - one of which could be heard from the balcony. Bruce Morrice and Calum Nicol snuffed out any hope the visitors had of breaking through with fierce defence around the rucks. Unfortunately with the home side having to commit extra numbers to the rucks, Shire capitalised with extra numbers in the backs, scoring two quickfire tries to lead 12-0 after 15 minutes.

Strathmore fought back though, with some very accurate kicking from Stewart Ross and Fraser McKay, the home side found themselves close to the Aberdeenshire line. Colin Bell and Glenn Feighan both troubled the Aberdeenshire defence with strong running but were unable to score. Fraser Cameron also came close to scoring after racing through onto another Stewart Ross kick, but he was denied by his opposite number who made a try saving tackle. Gavin Dissel then powered his way towards the line but was stopped short of reducing the visitors lead. Then against the run of play, with Strathie dominating, a long high kick from the Shire fly half put the home back three under pressure, and with a strong chase and quick hands, the visitors crossed the line for try number three and a 19-0 lead going into half time.

The second half began with a Fraser McKay kick high into the air, which was well challenged by the home team, leading to a Shire forward spilling the ball and conceding possession. Strathie shipped the ball left and right, working the visitors around the park and creating space to run. Rory Ferguson and Dave ‘sidestep’ Smith both broke tackles and kept Strathmore on the front foot. The home forwards were first to every ruck and this pressured Shire into going in off their feet at the breakdowns ultimately leading to a penalty which Stewart Ross slotted between the posts, 19-3.

At this point the visitors looked stunned by the response of the Strathie men, and they were forced into making mistakes through the power and pace of the Strathmore defence. With Aberdeenshire looking rattled, Strathmore began to bully them around the pitch once again. Stuart Gray and Jamie Wilson carried the ball well and took the home team closer and closer to the Shire line. Strathie heaped pressure onto the visitors but there looked like there was no way through... until the quick thinking and agility of Bruce Morrice stunned the Aberdeenshire defence at a quick penalty, as he darted past tackler after tackler to crash over for the try. The try was converted by the trusty boot of Stewart Ross, 19-10.

This was instantly followed by a break from the kick off by Calum Nicol; Tom Cargill took the ball into contact and forced a penalty in favour of the home team. Stewart Ross again sent the ball between the posts to change the scoreboard once again, this despite the best efforts of the Shire players who attempted a charge down... 19-13.
Aberdeenshire quickly began to find their way into the game, and looked like they were to re-find the form they showed in the first half. However Strathmore stood up to the challenge, making tackle after tackle and preventing Shire any quick ball to attack.

There was a real sense of belief among the crowd and more importantly the players themselves. Tim Malkowski and Colin Bell linked well in open play to find gaps in the defence and push Strathie forward. With Shire getting frustrated, the penalty count began to rise. Fraser McKay kicked deep into the visitors 22 as Strathie searched for points, Feighan threw to Colin Bell in a well worked line-out which saw the pack drive towards the line. The defending forwards did all they could to prevent the rampant maul crossing the line, and they very nearly did. With the ball on the ground and the majority of forwards now lying over it, Bruce Morrice (supported by Colin Bell) powered round the side to claim his second try of the game. This sent the home support wild in celebration, 19-18. Trailing by just a point, Stewart Ross stepped up to add the extra two points to send Strathmore into the lead. From right out on the touchline the ball was struck... narrowly missing the upright, 19-18 the score remained.

With time running out, Strathmore threw everything at the opposition. Within minutes Dave Brown’s men were camped in the shire half. Once again discipline in the Aberdeenshire defence allowed Strathmore a penalty, and Shire losing a man to the bin. 40 metres from goal Fraser McKay placed the ball down, ignoring the shouts and jeers from the far touchline he stepped up to strike the ball. Inchmacoble was silent as the crowd watched on... AND OVER IT WENT!! 21-19 to Strathmore with just seconds to go.

The last play of the game saw Aberdeenshire try desperately to regain the lead, but a last ditch Connor Blackmore tackle prevented any hope of a Shire win. The full time whistle brought incredible scenes both on and off the pitch as the club celebrated a momentous event. The unbeatable were beaten. The impossible made possible and history made.

Match Report by Ewen Hart