Wanderers hope for another run
Published 7 Jan 2011 14:00
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THE first round of the Scottish Rugby Shield will see Greenock Wanderers first foot their namesakes at Murrayfield, the home of Scottish rugby, tomorrow afternoon.
This tie is fraught with danger due to the inconsistency of the hosts, who can be ordinary, but are also capable of playing some very formidable rugby on their day.
The Wanderers of Murrayfield are a proud old club and have struggled in the league over the past couple of seasons, but see the knockout tournament as an opportunity to shine and have a real go at some of the more fancied sides in the competition.
Murrayfield have a large squad of players heavily supplemented by personnel from the Redford Army barracks in the capital, and the availability of these players very often makes the difference between the hosts putting out a strong or weakened side.
Greenock Wanderers certainly fit the bill as one of the more fancied teams, and having made the final last season from the second division, many in the competition feel the locals could go all the way again this term.
President Dougie Sloan said: "It will be good just to get a game of rugby again after the festive break.
"We are obviously concerned about the tie and the capability of Murrayfield.
"We need to take the game to them in their own back yard and I expect our boys to be hungry to impress with such a vitally important part of the season ahead.
"We will pay our Edinburgh hosts every respect but once the game starts we will look to impose ourselves on proceedings and hopefully manage the win we are all determined to achieve and get our cup ambitions up and running."
Wanderers will have to bounce back from the disappointment of their last match, when they lost by a single point in the last minute at Fort Matilda against title rivals Lasswade.
In truth, Lasswade and Wanderers look the sides most likely to secure promotion at the end of the season, but the locals want to be competing on two fronts, with the glamour of a potential Finals Day appearance at Murrayfield eagerly sought after.
Coach Bob Adams said: "The priority is to regroup after our defeat against Lasswade and ensure our league form gets back on track.
"The Shield competition offers an alternative set of pressures but we enjoy that and are looking forward to the game.
"Tomorrow's tie will be tough but I'll be throwing down the gauntlet to the players to prove they are focused on the task in hand, and they are eager to get back to top form with so many vital games coming up."
The Wanderers selection will be along familiar lines, and yet again big games will be required from skipper Matt Gray and his pack.
A four-week break can sometimes mean slackness in performance, but the squad have enjoyed two good quality sessions this week, including a closed-doors friendly, and are ready to go.
As always, the key partnerships will be vital, and half-backs Andy McDougall and Kenny Diffenthal and centre pairing Kieran Smith and Brendan McGroarty will look to carry on where they left off before the Christmas break.
Selectors Adams and Dave McVey will also introduce Glasgow district age-group player Yan Young on the bench.
The Wanderers Colt had a fine season with the under-18 side and looks set for a bright future with the club.
Tomorrow's big game kicks off at the earlier time of 1.30pm to allow for extra time if required.
There is also a chance the game may take place on the Astroturf pitch if inclement weather means the grass parks at Murrayfield are unplayable.
A good-sized travelling support will head to Edinburgh, and if Wanderers can recapture some of their earlier form, there is every likelihood the Wanderers of Greenock and not the Wanderers of Murrayfield will have their name in the hat for the second round draw next week.
In the event of more freezing weather, spectators should check with the clubhouse or on the website to confirm the game is still on.
l Murrayfield v Greenock Wanderers at Murrayfield. Kick-off 1.30pm.
Squad: D Watson, L Tyley, S Connolly, B McGroarty, K Smith, K Murray, B Wright, G Fletcher, A McDougall, K Diffenthal, D Smith, S Alexander, M Lavelle, M Standlick, A Campbell, M Gray (c), A Abernethy, M Duncan, J Stewart, C Robb, Y Young.
Wanderers are sponsored by National Semicondutor (UK) Ltd.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 07 Jan 11
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