Dyce thrashed by Shire at Woodside

Report by Keir Liddle

Dyce RFC knew they faced a tough task coming back from a ten week long winter break against a strong Aberdeenshire XV but did not predict the torrid time they faced last Saturday.

A strong and well drilled ‘Shire team caught Dyce napping at the start of the game to score early converted tries and from the outset it was clear Dyce's lack of recent game time would massively stand against them.

Dyce struggled to organise their defence and suffered from poor ball retention at the set piece, failing to turn line out ball into possession as well as suffering during the scrum. Dyce also failed to combat ‘Shires highly effective counter rucking and this kept them on the back foot for much of the game.

Photo by Jim Livingston

The difference in fitness between the two sides was also telling and Dyce's defensive line speed suffered allowing gaps to form which an able and motivated ‘Shire side exploited to the full.

Dyce's woes were compounded by the loss of Alex Duthie at 9 to injury with a broken hand and they ended the half 70+ points adrift.

HT: Aberdeenshire 2nd XV 75-0 Dyce RFC

The second half continued much as the first had with Dyce struggling to organise and make any mark on the game. Dyce made full use of their replacements but unfortunately no one on the bench was able to change the direction of the game.

Photo by Jim Livingston

The game was slightly marred by an outbreak of handbags as Dyce replacement Danny Macgregor's high tackle was not well received by ‘Shires child sized adult, scrum half Titch. Tempers flared but the referee was quick to intervene and ensure the game continued.

Despite two separate yellows for Shire No. 12 (56 mins) for a high tackle and No. 3 (80 mins) for persistent infringements in the red zone, Dyce were unable to capitalise and exert amy kind of telling pressure on the men in black and red.

In the final minutes of the game Dyce finally managed to rally and camped out in the ‘Shire 22 piling on the pressure to try and come away with at least a score, but much like the rest of the game this spirited final push ended in nothing but frustration.

FT: Aberdeenshire 2nd XV 133-0 Dyce RFC

Photo by Jim Livingston

Looking forward, Dyce will have to work hard and train together as a team to ensure they do not face going down to another cricket score this season.

The season continues next weekend with a home match against Moray 2nd XV at Central Park, 2pm KO.

#MonTheDyce