Despite a slight chill, perfect rugby conditions set the scene for a see-saw match which either side could have walked away with the win.

Waid kicked off and took the ball straight to the opposing 22 and were camped outside the try line. Prop Duncan Fraser gave the defence a battering as he charged to gain ground. Waid looked certain to score but mistakes led to a turnover. It wasn’t long before Waid got their hands on the ball again and this time used the backs to spin it out wide to Winger Lucas Miskiewicz who touched down no problem. The try was converted beautifully by Captain Adam Shaw.

Crieff were not intending to be walked over and immediately upped their game from their kick off. Waid soon found themselves stuck in their own 22 and alarm bells were ringing as the visitors edged closer and closer to the danger area. However, Waid managed to steal but not before a foul was committed by the home side. Crieff easily slotted the ball through the posts to give them their first points of the day.

Crieff found themselves in a similar position again as they tested the home defence again and again. Eventually their persistence paid off, and they got the try they deserved and were now leading.

Flanker Eric Anderson, was starting to cause real problems for the Perthshire lads and ultimately took off like a rocket and fired through the visitors line to touch down for Waid’s second.

Foolish mistakes then started to take their toll, and Crieff took the lead once again after slotting home a couple of penalties they were awarded.

Just before the half time whistle, the inspirational Fergus Middleton charged off in search of a try to put Waid back in front and was rewarded for his immense effort as the opposing players bounced off him and the lock easily scored between the posts.

The previous nights antics were certainly taking their toll on the Anstruther lads as the second half started sluggishly slow. Crieff were able to take advantage of the fact that Waid were down to thirteen men after 2 yellow cards for high tackling. They punished the East Neukers and deservedly put themselves back in front.

Waid got their act together though and broke away after Rory Doak, who was having a phenomenal game, burst up the middle to put Waid in fantastic position. Full Back John Murray ran it up the wing and drew his man before offloading to Winger Andy MacIver who crashed through. Waid were down by one point and needed something special to recover their lead and win the match.

Lock Kato Blockley and Flanker Euan Moncrieff were brutally attacking the away side’s defence and recovering great ground. Eventually, Waid were awarded a penalty which Scrum Half Kieran Doak amazingly converted from a fair distance. Another penalty in Waid’s favour was notched up and son after the full time whistle blew.

After the match, Captain and Man of the Match Adam Shaw said “Despite a few sore heads, we wanted to get a result for Waid on our 125th Anniversary and the lads did not disappoint. Crieff gave us a great game and were unfortunate but I thought we wanted it that little bit more.”

Shaw was awarded Man of the Match for his authoritative running and tactical performance which helped Waid come out victorious. Shaw is sponsored by Allson Wholesale’s Colin Drysdale.

Next week, Waid travel north to play Montrose. Kick off is at 2pm. All Waid news and events can be found at www.pitchero.com/clubs/waidacademyfp