The Paisley First XV, sponsored by Kilty Kilty, managed to squeeze home 10-17 in the opening fixture of the 2007 Regional League West 2 campaign, away to McLaren FP RFC. As might be expected with a visit to the rural farming community  in the Trossachs, the host team boasted a big and powerful pack, which the buddies did extremely well to match in most quarters, with a man of the match performance from former skipper David Dodds at Number 8, galvanising the Anchor side.

Missing influential centre Gordon Powrie through a training accident, Paisley fielded a mainly inexperienced back line, with the exception of new recruit, Steve Jermey, who was making his debut for Paisley at outside-half. This left the backline somewhat toothless and it is perhaps fortunate that the Callander outfit also lacked what could be considered a cutting edge in their backs.

Due to the tight dimensions of the Callander pitch and the obvious strength in the home sides forwards, the match very quickly settled into an arm wrestle between the 2 packs, which severely tested the resolve of the Paisley forwards. Fortunately for Paisley, the ill discipline which cost them so often in last years campaign was generally missing and it was McLaren's lippy half-back who, having tested the ref's patience once too often in a period of Paisley pressure, was eventually sent to the sin-bin for what could only be described as stupidity. Having been warned twice for offside infringements, he proceeded to blatantly spoil a decent Paisley attack with another offside offence in front of the ref. As he headed to the touchlines still remonstrating with the ref, the Paisley players hopefully will have been seeing the ghost of their own past weakness disappear from a crucial stage of the action.

Down to 14 men and with the Paisley forwards on the boil, McLaren conceded 2 tries from Jonno Murrel and Neil Ritchie, both converted by Steve Jermey who also added an important penalty, to put the Anchor side ahead 17-0.

With the game retored to 15 a side, Paisley then showed their inexperience in failing to turn the screw on a disheartened opposition, slipping into a more loose style of play, and almost paid the price. On the stroke of half-time, the normally reliable Mark Alexander threw a wild pass on a counter attack, which was gleefully picked up by the powerful McLaren No. 8, who scored with some aplomb.

This lifted McLaren and made the second half difficult for the large Paisley support to enjoy as they pounded the Paisley line. On the occasions when Paisley did break free, the composure and resolve shown in defence soon melted away and opportunity's to create breathing space were scorned too often for comfort.

With McLaren scoring a 2nd unconverted try through a fine blind side move, Paisley were eventually elated to hear the final whistle and claim the all important points in this difficult opening fixture. The coaches at Paisley can be rightly optimistic of a decent season in this particularly tight league, if the players continue to show the same attitude to training and defensive duties.

Anchor looks forward to welcoming league new boys Calder, who also started on a winning note, defeating our local rivals and good friends from Birkmyre.