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MATCH REPORT
Match :-
Date :-
Final Score :-
Harris Academy FP v. Blairgowrie
5th April 2008 (K.O. 3.00pm)
20 - 10
After last weeks late call off by Montrose it was the referee's turn to go AWOL. Harris volunteered their veteran replacement (Colin Petrie) to take over officiating the game, duly agreed by Blairgowrie. This left the Harris squad sorely depleted with a number of late call-offs and injuries/illnesses to various squad members. At least 7 of the Harris regulars were missing from the starting line-up, leaving only 2 players on the bench. Davie Bowen was so keen to play he started the game only to retire after 30 seconds when he discovered he was the 16th man! Captain Yeaman chose to rest his ageing and aching body and handed the captaincy to Derek Milne, allegedly playing his last game before retiring...we shall see!
The game itself was an interesting encounter. The Harris pack were lively throughout the game and continually took the ball forward, with support, making in-roads into Blairgowrie territory. Ben Ford, playing scrum-half for the first time in maroon, black and gold stuck to his task well and soon got over his early match nerves, despite some unorthodox play.
As the first half progressed the game flowed from end to end with both sides exerting pressure within the opposition 22. The first break-through came for the visitors when, despite some valiant tackling from the Harris players, the opposition flanker, Blair Gowrie, dived over in the corner for the opening score. Despite some Harris players suggesting touch came before the score the Harris touch judge (yours truly) clearly saw grounding before the player hit the corner flag. Unfortunately the Elliot Road "man upstairs" was getting a lift from the missing referee so there was no action replay available for Mr Petrie, try given. (0-5)
Harris fought back and immediately had Blairgowrie on the back foot with some great forward play. The Home backs were getting tetchy about their forwards not letting them into the game (and why should we?) but such was the Harris dominance it seemed churlish to change winning ways. Eventually the backs and forwards linked well. A move involving some great passing and running culminated in a mesmerising bit of footwork from The Mighty Quin to release Swanny to run in from 10 yards. Woody converted. (7-5).
In the second half, Woody slotted over a penalty to increase the Harris lead (10-5) however some direct running from Blairgowrie scrum half Gavin Wynd saw him feed to Glair Bowrie for the oppositions second try of the afternoon. (10-10) It is interesting to note Gavin's father, Phil, was on the touchline supporting his son's team. Being an ex Harris player he obviously wanted to remain anonymous, hence the reason for dressing in camouflage gear! The matter has been reported to the fashion police!
At this point the crowd were looking forward to yet another scintillating draw, however as far as Harris were concerned the game was far from over. Richie McIvor, a constant thorn in the Blairgowrie side, continued to pick and drive from the base of the scrum. Harris had moved Milne into scrum half and the combination of 5 back row players (Robin Waugh was playing lock) saw Harris continue to dominate in the loose, winning phase after phase. Richie picked from the middle of the park on the Blair 22 and ghosted past the defence to add to the Harris cause with a fantastic solo effort. (15-10)
A quick penalty from Harris saw the other Quin, almost as mighty, race over for another Harris try, eluding opposition tackles as fast as his little legs would carry him. (20-10)
There were a number of outstanding performances from the much changed Harris side, most notably the referee and touch judge...But seriously folks, this was an excellent Harris performance. Both backs and forwards defended well and rose to the Blairgowrie threat. There were some magnificent individual performances however the most heartening aspect was the overall team display. The league games since Christmas have seen the Harris squad gel into a unit that, while not always playing at their best, is starting to play for one another.
Mr Petrie came in for much flak at times during the game from players and supporters of both teams, however the game was played in a good spirit, and both sets of players were grateful to get the game played. The alternative was to wait for the next available Saturday, sometime in May! Well done Peewee.
One league game left, against Montrose, 19th April. The players really appreciate the support from the touchline and look forward to a big audience for the final game of the season!
On a final note, poor Derek thought in his final (allegedly) appearance he would not only captain the side but also score. Alas this was not to be as he stumbled short of the line, reached out to touch the ball down.....and knocked it on! Better luck next season Derek.
Harris welcomed the league champions, Blairgowrie, to Elliot Road. A cold and blustery day didn't keep away a cosmopolitan crowd which included representatives from all of Dundee's rugby clubs. Obviously they were interested in watching a Dundee side that actually wins games (or maybe they were looking forward to yet another draw!).
Report by - P. Yeaman