Aberdeenshire RFC men win the Strathbogie Cup

With most of the Covid restrictions now lifted in Scotland and rugby getting back to normal, it was a joy to see the ‘shire men back in action after a 17-month hiatus.

The squad have been maintaining a reasonable level of fitness during the break with Head coach Graeme Buchan, who unfortunately has had to step down for work reasons. New coach Charlie Catto assumed the role a few weeks ago and managed to select a reasonably strong squad with a good balance of experience, speed and strength in both backs and forwards. It would be interesting to see how the players coped with full contact competitive rugby.

The format for the tournament was originally designed as a group and knockout however it was changed to a straight league with 7 teams after some last-minute call offs, some of the teams included our fellow Caley league rivals, Banff, Mackie and Moray. Hats off to the Huntly RFC organisers for juggling the fixtures at the last minute.

Any concerns on performance were unfounded. All the players tackled their hearts out, were aggressive in attack and defence adapting well to the everchanging weather conditions, warm and sunny for one game and heavy showers the next. It was testimony to the way they played that only one try was conceded 6 games and that was in the last game. In the last game the squad was a little depleted due to injuries sustained and work commitments. There was a lot of good play and some very competitive matches which were a real tussle.

First up was Huntly and a strong showing by ‘shire ensued with a comfortable win secured. A long break followed. We then faced local rivals, Aberdeen Wanderers. This turned out to be a very hard, physical match with only one score in it at the end (5-0 to ‘shire). An incredible defensive display by the team with Aaron Wright’s in the centre of it all. The next fixture resulted in a comfortable victory over spirited newcomers Turriff. Then a good hard game against a physical Moray side resulting in a 7-0 victory. Finally a break was granted with four games played and 4 wins and no points conceded. Next up was Banff and another hard-fought battle ensued however we had two early scores and 12-0 was the final score. No rest and straight on to the opposite pitch for our cup final against Mackie.

Due to work commitments and injuries picked up during the relentless format of playing 3 games in a row the squad was a little depleted going into the next game with injuries to Tom Watson (ankle) and Freddy Ho (shoulder).

Organisers of the tournament had decided that if we were to win the last league game against Mackie the Cup was ours as we had beaten everyone else already. The Mackie team were a young fit and fast group of lads, however, an early try and conversion for ‘shire saw the lads take the lead. Worryingly Paul Watson (brother of Tom) sustained a neck injury and lay prone on the pitch after being tackled and landing awkwardly. A long delay to play followed while the First Aiders attended to Paul, It was a relief to everyone when he was finally able to get up and walk off the pitch. (Actually, he said there was nothing wrong with him really, he was just knackered and wanted to give his teammates a rest as well?.) Mackie had had time to re-group and kept up the pressure, with shire forced to play rugby Baz and Josh “Lochaber away away” in the second row they conceded a try however Mackie missed the conversion. (7-5 shire) There was a last call for every ounce of effort from captain for the day, Paul “Dancing Boy” Harrow. Some defiant steely defence from ‘shire led to some critical handling errors by Mackie, which allowed ‘shire to hold the lead and secured the Cup.
The squad played six games and conceded 5 points! A great basis to work on, every one of the players gave their all for their fellow teammates and the jersey. Coach Catto, was delighted at the end. “The structure we have worked on in attack and defence really showed on the day. I’m very proud of all the boys’ efforts”. A big thank you goes to Goosie for running touch for all 6 games (done so with a sore back?), and also to the Shire supporters (young and old) who turned up to watch their team. Also a big thank you to Huntly RFC for hosting the event at such a great venue (the grounds of Huntly Castle).

Next week sees the first of our 15-a-side friendlies against Edinburgh side, Lismore, with a 2pm kick off down at Woodside. Would be great to see as many of you down as possible.

(Original Match Report by Neil" Goosey" Gillanders)