20/10/2026
Crieff & Strathearn RFC 1st XV 57 - 48 Strathmore RFC 2nd XV
Match Report:
Crieff edged an extraordinary thriller against Strathmore in a match packed with momentum swings, exciting attacking rugby, and a dramatic finish that kept supporters on the edge of their seats. The home side eventually prevailed 57-48 after a contest that could have gone either way.
Five minutes after kick-off, Crieff struck first. After both sides spent the opening exchanges testing each other's defence, slick handling across the backs created space for Bob to cross for the opening try. Strathmore responded quickly, using sustained pressure and penalties to work their way into scoring territory before crossing for a converted try of their own.
The game soon developed into a high-scoring battle. Crieff capitalised on a penalty deep in Strathmore territory and powered over beneath the posts, with Jamie Pool adding the extras. Strathmore hit back when they exploited an attacking scrum to score and convert, keeping the pressure firmly on the hosts
One of the moments of the half came from a quick-thinking penalty by Scott Drummond. His break put Strathmore under severe pressure and, after a yellow card reduced the visitors to fourteen men, Crieff took full advantage and crossed again. Pool remained flawless from the tee.
As the match opened up, Crieff's pack and backs combined effectively. Another close-range score and a further converted try stretched their advantage. A Strathmore handling error was then ruthlessly punished, allowing Crieff to gather possession and race in for another converted score.
Just before the interval, Strathmore ensured they remained firmly in contention by capitalising on a scrappy scrum to score a converted try, leaving the halftime score finely poised at 33-21 to Crieff.
The visitors emerged from the break with renewed energy. Strong attacking patterns saw them score near the posts before adding the conversion. The next ten minutes produced some of the game's best rugby, with both sides moving the ball confidently and producing excellent support play, even if the scoreboard remained unchanged.
Then came the turning point. Strathmore's powerful running lines and attacking ambition paid off with another converted try beneath the posts, bringing the score back to 33-35 and handing them the lead for the first time.
Under pressure, Crieff showed their character. Scott Drummond once again proved influential, bursting through the defence before finishing a superb individual effort. The conversion restored Crieff's advantage at 40-38 with only minutes remaining.
The drama was far from over. A late Strathmore penalty edged the visitors back in front at 41-40, setting up a frantic finish. Crieff responded brilliantly. Crieff’s Scott Drummond cleverly tapped a penalty and Jamie Pool timed his run perfectly to score under the posts. Moments later, another penalty extended the lead to 50-41.
Strathmore refused to surrender and crossed again to narrow the gap to 50-48, earning valuable bonus points in the process. But Crieff had the final word. A flowing move to the left saw the scrum-half float a perfectly weighted ball over the defence, collected by Pool who raced into the corner for his final try of the afternoon. He then calmly added the conversion to complete a memorable personal performance and seal a remarkable 57-48 victory.
Player Highlights
Jamie Pool: Outstanding from the kicking tee and heavily involved in the scoring action, contributing crucial points throughout the match.
Scott Drummond: Instrumental in several key moments, including a brilliant quick penalty break and a crucial late try when Crieff were under pressure.
The Crieff Backline: Produced some excellent attacking rugby, particularly in the opening score and the match-winning try.
Referee: The referee played a great game, one of the best referees we have been fortunate to have. He was responsible in no small part, to allowing a flowing, fair exciting game for all.
Final Score: Crieff & Strathearn RFC 1st XV 57 - 48 Strathmore RFC 2nd XV. A thrilling contest showcasing attacking ambition from both sides and a match that will be remembered by players and supporters alike.
Duncan Murchie
