On Saturday the 7th September 2024 the Shire men hosted Caithness RFC at home for their first League Game of the season. The mens first official game was supposed to happen last weekend against North Police Scotland but unfortunately they had to pull out last minute.

The men came out of the blocks fast and after just 5 minutes Jack Sibbald got the first try of the day but unfortunately Andy Wilson didn't get the conversion over the posts. The Shire men continued their attack with energy and determination to make a statement this season and kept producing a strong set piece and crisp attacking play.

More tries followed, 2 from Tom Watson, 2 from Mikey Mair and an exciting try from Finley Smeaton off the back of a scrum, a video of this is available to watch on our website. Our Fullback Andy Wilson successfully converted all 5 tries with his shiny boots!

The half time score settled at 45-0 which left the Shire men ready for the second half.

Within minutes of the second half Co-Captain Paul Harrow crossed the whitewash of the try line with a big roar from the crowd at the sidelines. Caithness provided a harder attack in the second half making it a more contestable game. Caithness kept the pressure up on our Shire men but they didn't waiver, keeping their sights on the try line we had a very successful second half. Tries scored by Mikey Mair, Lewis Emslie, Tom Watson, Scott McNeil and 2 excellent tries out at the wing by Aaron Wright. Andy Wilson converted 4 of the 6 putting more points on the score board for Shire.

Congratulations to our Man of the Match - Mikey Mair. And thanks to our MOTM Sponsor Brewtoon!

ARFC want to thank Caithness for travelling down and playing in the blazing heat. We look forward to our return fixture later in the season.

Thank you to everyone at ARFC who came down to support the team and watch the game. Thank you to Rob Quinn & Cameron Fraser, our newest member of ARFC, for tending to the bar and keeping everyone hydrated in the heat.

A huge thanks to Grant our newly appointed Chef for a fantastic Post Match tea!

Shire Men are looking forward to their next fixture on Saturday 14th September against Mackie RFC