Alloa RFC defeated by league leaders Perthshire RFC

A tough afternoon at Earlsfield as league leaders Perthshire showed their class, but plenty of perspective and positives remain for Alloa as the season nears its conclusion.

There was a sense of history around this fixture, with Perthshire once regular visitors during the clubs’ battles in National Division Four back in the 1980s. It’s been decades since the sides last met at Earlsfield, and the visitors arrived as dominant league leaders, with only one defeat all season.

Ryan Jones being thwarted by the Perthshire defence, which was to be a common occurence (Image: Gordon Murray)

From the outset, Perthshire controlled territory and possession, pinning Alloa deep and applying relentless pressure. The home side defended bravely but eventually the dam broke after 15 minutes, with the visitors running in the first of three rapid converted tries during a sustained spell to take firm control.

Alloa responded with a moment of quality. A sharp break from Cammie Nimmo split the defence, and his well-timed offload found Callum McAllister, who finished well to get the hosts on the scoreboard and give the home support something to lift them.

However, missed first-up tackles proved costly, and Perthshire’s powerful midfield punished any defensive lapses, adding two further converted tries before the interval to make it 5–35 at the break.

Rab Truesdale, who celebrated his 40th birthday last week, making a strong impact coming off the bench with some some strong running (Image: Gordon Murray)

The second half couldn’t have started worse for Alloa, with Perthshire striking immediately from the restart. That set the tone for the remainder of the match as the visitors added further scores, showcasing why they are widely expected to go on and secure the league title.

Despite the scoreline, there were still moments of pride for Alloa. Rab Truesdale, celebrating his 40th birthday week, made a strong impact from the bench, bringing energy and physicality, and was a deserved recipient of the home side’s Man of the Match award.

Rab Truesdale receiving his 'Friends of Alloa Player of the Match' award (Image: Gordon Murray)

Perthshire are undoubtedly one of the strongest sides to visit Earlsfield in many years, and full credit goes to them for a clinical, powerful performance that keeps them firmly on track for top spot.

For Alloa, while the result stings, it does little to take away from what has been a strong first season back at this level. Attention now turns to finishing the campaign on a high and they face Blairgowire in their final league match which could secure a 4th place finish.

Earlsfield vs Blairgowrie - Saturday, 3pm KO