Veteran rugby team, Dunkeld Ospreys, visited Blairgowrie for their biggest and most enjoyable fixture of the season. This oldies game has become a regular fixture at Blair's annual Ale and Rugby Festival.
Many of the Ospreys' regular Blairgowrie contingent were playing for the home team. To make up the shortfall, players from Arbroath, Carnoustie, Strathmore, Edinburgh and Kirkcaldy were recruited to the Ospreys' Barbarians side. A strong, experienced team turned out and they quickly asserted their authority on the game with an early try. Unfortunately, this early promise didn't last and by half-time the visitors were trailing 3 tries to 1.
Another try for the Ospreys mid-way through the 2nd half and one for the home team meant that the final score was a respectable 4-2. Although the Ospreys players were more familiar with opposition players than they were with their own team-mates, it was a well-matched, fiercely contested game and most importantly highly enjoyable. An early kick-off meant that both teams were able to enjoy the Ale Festival throughout the rest of the day as well as watching the younger, faster teams compete for the 10s trophy.
Congratulations also to Blairgowrie's first team players who again won their home tournament for the 3rd year running.
Dunkeld Ospreys is an over 35s rugby team. New players are always welcome.
More information at www.facebook.com/dunkeldrugby or email iainhg@aol.com