Local Derby a Physical Affair

Fraserburgh kicked off and Nicoll took the ball at full pelt and charged through the first line of defenders but he was eventually taken to ground. The Peterhead forwards recycled the ball but Fraserburgh were tackling well. With the game going at a frantic pace Fraserburgh were pushing Peterhead hard and with some great continuity they drew first blood with an excellent converted try. Fraserburgh were galvanised by this score and went further ahead when the took the points from a Peterhead infringement in front of the posts. Peterhead then started to come back into the game and with some excellent forward work the visitors were in the home 22. From some great pod work Jordan barged across the line for a try converted by McKee. Peterhead gathered the restart and were working hard against a strong home defence. With the play ebbing up and down the field Peterhead got into the home 22 and after several phases of forward play the ball went out to the backs and D Smith made the break which opened the Fraserburgh defence for him to dart over for a try. McKee again adding the extra points. Peterhead were enjoying some good possesion and with some excellent quick ball from contact McKee found himself crossing the line for a try of his own. He again added the conversion. With the half coming to a close Fraserburgh got some go forward ball and found themselves with a lineout near the Peterhead line. With a good catch they set up a driving maul and drove over the line for a forward’s try.

Half-time, Fraserburgh 15, Peterhead 21

Peterhead started the second half and this turned into a real ding-dong battle with both sides pressuring the oppositions line. Fraserburgh came closest to a score in the first quarter of this half but the ball carrier was adjudged to be held up. Neither side was taking a backward step this was a hugely physical encounter and the reserves were being used to replace the walking wounded. Fraserburgh went down to 14 men when they were penalised once too often for offside and the referee sent the inside centre to the bin. Peterhead turned on the pressure but Fraserburgh weathered the storm and didn’t concede any points during this phase. With ten minutes to go the visitors were looking for the bonus point try and with the forwards creating some real momentum the home team conceded a penalty. From the tap McKee set the backs running, D Smith put Linton into space. With the defence closing in he sent Cole over for another great score for the young centre. Peterhead finished the game strongly with Fraserburgh refusing to buckle and defending to the last.

Final score; Fraserburgh 15, Peterhead 26

This was a very entertaining and physical game played in some glorious conditions.

Peterhead are on the road again this Saturday when they visit Inverness to take on Inverness Craig Dunain, which is always another physical game.

Peterhead Ladies host Fraserburgh ladies at Catto Park on Sunday with a 2pm start.

Training continues at Catto park every Tuesday and Thursday with a 7pm start. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience.