Murrayfield 33 Perthshire 28: Four yellow cards for Eagles as lead slips in National League 4 season opener

Perthshire watched a considerable lead slip - and received four yellow cards - in Saturday afternoon’s National League 4 opener.

A lack of composure at key attack and defence moments also cost the Eagles dearly against Murrayfield Wanderers.

Shire had kicked off with intent but some over enthusiastic hits and rucking earned Wanderers a penalty in front of the posts which they scored for 3-0.

But soon the Perth men hit back. After a maul was formed, a couple of quick and direct phases by the forwards allowed newly-appointed vice-captain Simon McGarry to burrow over the line. Calum Bruce added the two points.

Soon a break from Kieran Ramsay took Shire deep into Murrayfield territory but a chip kick through into space was not regathered.

However, in their desperate defence, the hosts conceded a number of penalties and ultimately the referee lost patience sending their flanker to the sin bin.

It did not take long for Graham Smith’s side to make the extra man count. First, Shaun Barton made a barnstorming carry through the middle.

In behind, Shire exploited the space to the left then back to the far right touchline where Rory Bayne crossed to score out wide. Bruce was on the money, converting to build the lead to 14-3.

The momentum continued and Bruce’s kick pass to the wing was perfectly weighted for John Kelly.

With ball in hand he stepped in - beating one defender - and surged forward brushing off more would-be tacklers all the way to the line. The conversion from the boot of Bruce hit the post but bounced over.

Now restored to 15 players, Murrayfield had some possession but were not making much headway.

But a series of cheap penalties got them on to the front foot and they scored an unconverted try in the corner after a