With the presentations made to the Club’s junior players and the pitch made ready, 3.00pm saw the start of what has been, for almost 50 years, the final event in the 15–a–side season. Both sides had listed big squads with almost all of the players on the President’s side eager to play – there were a few who were best described as slightly reticent citing old age and various medical conditions.

The President’s team took the honours for the “Best Turned Out” as they were the first side to wear the new red strips – Thanks again to the shirt sponsors DS McG Ltd and Nicholson Farmers for their support.

The match referee, Steve McConnell, completed the required coin toss with Duncan MacEachran performing his duties for the last time as Captain and Ben Gibson taking charge of the select side. ‘Endrick won the toss and elected to kick. Immediately before the kick off there was a minute’s silence in honour of ex-president Tom Yuill who recently passed away at the age of 93.

It took only one minute before the President’s team had the scoreboard moving as they retained possession from the kick off and played at a fast pace to advance up the pitch, the move ended with scrum half James Imrie choosing a great line which left any would be defenders unable to stop his advance to the line for a converted try.

This was not the start that the Captain’s XV had envisaged as it appeared they may be facing a side who would test every facet of the home side’s skills. The home side did, however, prove their mettle as they set about recovering from the impressive start of the guests.

From this point to the agreed 20 minute water break it was the defences who dominated and thwarted all attacks. Two minutes after the water break it was ‘Endrick who marked up a score when Ruari Doyle broke forward and skilfully evaded the first tackle, then moved the ball to Charlie Walker to continue the advance upfield and then passed to Findlay Kay who covered the remaining 20m to touch down in the corner. Kyle Campbell could not convert the score and injured himself trying to make the kick to take no further part in the game.

The remaining time in the first half reverted back to both sides making serious attempts add to their scores – but again the defences dominated.

Half time score – Captain’s XV 5 President’s XV 7

Both sides made a number of changes which, perhaps, raised the guest side’s average age by a significant margin. It was the Captain’s XV who put the first points on the scoreboard in the second half, 44 minutes, with a typical Dougie Duff try which he also converted to put the “home” side in front for the first time in the match. Eleven minutes later Dougie Duff was instrumental in the next score when his kick ahead was collected and touched down by Charlie Walker for an unconverted try.

Another water break, more changes in personnel and with 70 minutes played the Captain’s side were on the attack – James Cuthbertson made one of his typically hard to stop charges and as he was finally tackled slipped the ball to the supporting Angus Morrison who finished off the move with a try converted by Charlie Walker.

From here the last minutes of the match were dominated by the President’s XV who scored two unconverted tries. In a raft of changes Ewan (Pieman) MacKay had taken the role of loose head prop. With 5 minutes of the match remaining he played the role of “Impact Sub” as he crashed over from a yard to score his first try of this season. The last score of the day was a belter as Captain for the day Ben Gibson carried the ball for 70 metres in a great breakout.

Final score Captain’s XV 24 President’s XV 17

Immediately following the game a presentation was made to the Man of the Match. This is a new award, to be made on an annual basis, in memory of Past Captain Dougie Ross. The first recipient was Ruari Doyle who was presented the award by Brenda Ross.

This is clearly the final match report of this season. It has been a pleasure to report on the performances of the 1st XV through league and cup games – Many thanks to all of the players and the touchline team for their assistance in putting the reports together.

The after match beers and burgers were much enjoyed by all the players many of who then moved on to the end of season dinner and presentations.

Around 90 guests gathered in the clubhouse anticipating an evening of reminiscing and story telling accompanied by the usual fine cuisine of the Fintry Sports Club catering staff and, perhaps, just a couple of small libations.

With all of the top table speakers, Duncan MacEachran, Ewan MacKay and guest Ally Logan delivering entertaining speeches the revelries continues until late. The evening was declared to be another successful event in the tradition of Strathendrick dinners.

During the evening the following presentations were made, congratulations to all those whose efforts and contributions were rewarded.

Coaches award – Dougie Duff

Young Trainer of the Year – Finn Walford

Old Trainer of the Year – shared Duncan MacEachran and Murray Calderwood

Club Person of the Year – Gregor Kennedy

Most Improved Player of the Year – Bruce Steel

Young Player of the Year – Angus Morrison

Player of the Year – James Ogilvy