Greenock Telegraph | Sport | It's tike to deliver

Friday, 9th January, 2009

Published: Friday, 30th November, 2007 12:30

It's tike to deliver

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Reaching high: Wanderers hope to gather in their first win tomorrow.

GREENOCK Wanderers welcome old rivals Royal High/Corstorphine to Fort Matilda tomorrow for the first in a series of home matches that will determine the fate of the locals this season.

With nine league matches remaining, all of them at home, with the exception of a January trip to Langholm, Wanderers need to start winning games now if they are to harbour any hopes of evading the drop come March.

The task has already reached ‘Everest’ proportions. To date, the only points that have been secured are three solitary lose bonus points.

The Royal High Cougars comfortably won the corresponding fixture at Barnton in Edinburgh in September by 32-17, but in truth would have scored more but for poor handling in their back division.

The Cougars also boast hooker Ross Thomson in their line-up, son of former Wanderers captain and front row stalwart Neil. Ross is a chip off the old block and the hosts’ front row will certainly know that they have been in a game come 5pm.

Another hard day at the office looms then for a battered, bruised and bedraggled Wanderers XV who, through injury, have limped into battle more often than not this season.

Credit must be given to the coaches, physiotherapy team and playing squad for their attitude, and resilience, in dealing with their current plight. What is clear to all observers is that youthful exuberance and positive spirit is very much alive in the Wanderers camp despite their perilous situation.

President Donnie Cunningham said: “Coaches Dave McVey and Iain Forster are upbeat guys and that rubs off on the rest of the players. In rugby you put the setbacks behind you and look forward to the next game, and that is what we will continue to do.

“I’ve said often this season that I can’t fault the effort of the guys and that still stands. We deserve to get some decent results and I’d be delighted for the players if they got some reward for all the hard work they have put in.”

Once more the local selection will come from a limited number of fit and available players. Up front Calum Robb, Liam Scully and Mark Coyle continue to catch the eye in a pack that has competed well throughout the season.

Young Andy McDougall has blossomed into a scrum half with genuine ability, and Ant Devlin also has the class to make a real difference at fly half.

The time has come for all the youngsters in the Wanderers line up to throw caution to the wind, leave their inhibitions in the dressing room, and come out and give it a “lash”. What is clear is that the locals have competed well in many of their games this season and, without doubt, should have had several wins under their belt by now.

At a time like this the experienced players in the ranks have also got to lead by example and much will be expected of skipper Chris Clark and past captains Kevin and David Murray during the next few weeks. Graham Finnie and Jimmy McKenna are also two players who can put some guts into any Wanderers.

Coach McVey said: “The positives are that we are a young side and have enjoyed some good spells in each game we’ve played this season. We have got to believe in ourselves and not retreat into our shell when things go against us.

“We’ve no quitters here and I will demand that the guys go out tomorrow with high expectations.”

Greenock Wanderers v Royal High Cougars Fort Matilda, kick-off 2pm: S McTavish, K Murray, A Knox, D Murray, C Clark {C}, D Watson, J Stewart, A Devlin, A McDougall, M Coyle, R Lavelle, M Rodger, N Patterson, M McDonald, L Scully, C Robb, J McKenna, G Finnie, J Cunningham, J Campbell, S Bleasdale.

Wanderers are sponsored by National Semiconductor [UK] Ltd.

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