Playing in good conditions, Waid kicked off and tested the Blair side from the beginning. Waid showed their hunger for the ball and took advantage of every mistake. Flanker Eric Anderson’s commanding runs finally paid off when he burst through the line to score Waid’s first try of the day.

However, a penalty for Blairgowrie was slotted between the posts bringing it to 5 - 3.

The work ethic from Adam Shaw, Gary McLaggan and Gus Middleton was second to none as Waid continued to seek for further points. Scrum half George Hodge ensured nothing was getting through with some spectacular tackling.

Blairgowrie did have Waid feeling the pressure as they were camped inside the 5 metre line for a good few minutes, but the homeside were able to prevent any score and won possession.

This brought the curtain down on the first half and Waid knew they would need to up their game if they had any chance of retaining the lead.

The Waid pack were pushing hard and the inspirational Kevin Anderson lead the strong scrimmaging which saw Waid win many a ball in the second half. Waid pressured Blair into their own try area with a kick downfield. Incredibly, rather than touch down for safety, the Blairgowrie player tried to pass it and play it out of his own try area. Winger Lucas Miskiewicz intercepted and simply touched down for the Anstruther team’s second try.

Another penalty and try for Blair brought the game a little too close for comfort at 12-11 to the home side, but Lock Kato Blockley increased the gap to 17-12 after a tremendous solo score.

　

With the game almost over, the tension was almost unbearable. Blairgowrie got possession and their winger appeared to waltz through the Waid defence. Waid eventually stopped him, and with the clock now at 80 minutes, the next dead ball situation would end the game with a Waid win. Blair pushed and pushed for the winner and eventually dove over the line for the try to bring it to 17-16 to Waid. With the conversion to come, a miss would win it for the home side and a converted kick would win it for Blair.

The home side were crushed as the ball slotted through the upright and the visitors left the East Neuk with the points.

A gutted Captain Adam Shaw said afterwards, “We are extremely disappointed. The first time we went behind in points was after the 80 minutes were up. I believe we were the stronger side. The boys put in a lot of effort and their heads should be held high despite the agonising loss.”

Man of the match was awarded to Waid’s Kato Blockley (sponsored by
Paul Crawford)

who goes from strength to strength week out. His power and effort were vital to the team.

Waid are at home again next week, when they face Grangemouth at Waid park, with a kick off of 3pm.