Weekend of Hockey 24th & 25th April 2010

Perthshire 1st Men's XI went into this weekend requiring two points from their final two games to move out of the relegation play off zone. On Saturday they travelled to face Ayr, who were bottom of National League 3; and on Sunday they hosted Motherwell, already winners of NL 3.

'Shire exceeded expectations, winning both games and securing 3rd division status without worrying about play-offs for the first time in a number of years.

They beat Ayr convincingly on Saturday, ahead 3-0 at half-time, and 8-1 at full-time. It was a great all-round team performance, Perthshire dominating from start to end. Neil Robertson and Gregor McIntosh both scored hat-ricks, closely followed by a brace from Michael Robertson.

Sunday's game didn't mean much to either team, with Perthshire securing safety on Saturday and Motherwell with the title already in the bag. However, 'Shire were keen to continue their new-found winning form. They did so emphatically beating Motherwell 4-2. The gap should have been greater as 'Shire had maintained control throughout the game. Goals came from Michael Robertson, 2, Neil Robertson and Kieron O'Toole.

Perthshire can now take an early summer break this year; without the worry of a relegation play-off looming; and with encouraging signs for next season.

The last game of the season saw Perthshire Mens II play Wanderers VI in a home game last Saturday. It was perhaps appropriate that John Dewar, who has improved considerably over the season, opened his goal scoring account for Perthshire with a well hit shot that ricocheted off the keeper's pads into the net. The pace of the Wanderers' middle field and attack however got it's reward shortly after this, when a rapid counter attack caught the Perthshire defence and midfield flat footed. The move culminated in an unselfishness pass across the D to an unmarked player on the penalty spot that left keeper Owen Toole stranded and the game tied one all at half time.

By the second half Perthshire were in the ascendancy, with Wanderers struggling to manage the penetrating runs of Craig Loudon and Kieron Toole. A combination of a lack of a good final touch and some excellent keeping however kept the score as one all at the final whistle.

Weekend of Hockey 17th & 18th April 2010

Having already secured 3rd place in the league Perthshire Mens 2nd XI met undefeated league winners Wanderers III last Saturday away in their last match of the season. Despite only the pride of the two teams being at stake, the game proved to be one of the most acrimonious of the season, with several cards being issued to both teams for continued questioning of the umpiring.

Perthshire took the lead early in the first half via a cross across the front of the goal that saw Max Spittal in the right spot at the back post to slot the ball into the goal.  Wanderers however continued to apply pressure and were eventually rewarded late in the first half by a good lofted shot that just evaded Shire's Owen Toole's good attempted save. The second half saw a string of stoppages break down any fluidity in the game. In between breaks Wanderers were able to first gain then extend their lead via respectively a penalty flick, following a shire foot stopping the ball on the goal-line and a further goal in open play.

It was perhaps appropriate that one of the players of the season, Craig Loudon scored the last goal of the season, when he took full advantage of a path to goal opening up in the D with a well struck hit. Craig's goal drew the score back to 3-2 in favour of Wanderers and insured a close finish to a game. At the final whistle however neither side were able to add to this scoreline.

The Under 18 boys team travelled through to Peffermill in Edinburgh in buoyant mood on Sunday to contest the Final of the Under 18 Reserve Cup.  Having gone through the entire competition without losing a goal, let alone a match, expectations for a win in the final were high.

Perthshire started the game rather nervily  as the pressure of the match seemed to weigh heavily on the team. They gradually gained their confidence however and started to dominate the game. Unfortunately a rather stubborn Aberdeen defence held firm as Perthshire probed and harried attempting to gain the upper hand with an opening goal. Pressing so far up the field however, automatically leads to defensive holes and it was a credit to the well drilled back line that the few Aberdeen sorties into Perthshire’s half were quickly snuffed out. In the end, a nil – nil scoreline  was inevitable and so to a penalty shootout.

The brave boys who volunteered to take the penalties were justly rewarded by beating Aberdeen Grammar School FP Colts 4-3 and the win that had been craved was duly delivered. Well done all!

The top of the table clash at Strathallan on Tuesday 20th was a must win for the Perth 2nd Ladies if they were to keep their title hopes alive. The game started at a frantic pace and, in truth, never really slowed from this.  Perthshire started strongly on the attack and were rewarded with a goal from Louise Medine who then added her second a short while later.  A well taken St. Andrews Uni goal from a penalty corner meant the half-time score was 2-1.

Neither side could add to their tally in the second half in an exciting end to end game.  This however, certainly wasn’t from a lack of effort – nobody in the Perth side could have given more and there were a number of tired legs by the end of the game.  With one game left for each team, they are level on points though the St. Andrews side have a slightly better goal difference.  Results from games this Sunday (St. Andrews) and on Wednesday 28th (Perthshire) will determine the league winners.

Thanks to Jo Campbell for umpiring, Siobhan Penman for her coaches role and to the supporters who turned out on a cold night to cheer the team on.

Erskine Stewarts Melville 2 - 1 Perthshire. Perthshire Men's 2nd XI travelled to Edinburgh on Saturday to face 4th placed ESM. For the first time in a number of weeks 'Shire played well as a team, competing for the full 70 minutes. However, Perthshire failed to turn their possession advantage onto the score-sheet. The Edinburgh side went ahead in the first half, before 'Shire levelled the game in the second half through a penalty corner conversion by Neil Robertson. Despite further pressure ' Shire failed to score and ESM sealed the game with a late goal.