Final countdown for Wanderers

Published 23 Apr 2010 14:00 0 Comments

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ALL TOGETHER NOW: Wanderers dug deep during their semi-final win over Dalziel, above, and will need to show the same resolve at Murrayfield.

ALL roads lead to Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh tomorrow as Greenock Wanderers contest their most prestigious game in recent times.

The locals go head to head with Lasswade in the Scottish Hydro-Electric National Shield Final at the home of Scottish rugby with a 2pm kick-off.

A massive travelling support from Inverclyde will converge on Edinburgh in the hope Wanderers can win their first national knock-out trophy in their long and distinguished 138-year history.

The Greenock side have of course won national league championships and regional cup competitions over the years, but have never before prevailed in a national final.

Twice before the club have stood on the precipice of victory but fell at the final hurdle, against Duns in 1993 and Ardrossan in 2005.

Lasswade, from Bonnyrigg in Midlothian, stand between Wanderers and the silverware this time round, and a fantastic 80 minutes of rugby is anticipated between two sides who have enjoyed great success this season.

The clubs have met twice already this term and the victories have been shared, with home advantage being a significant factor in both matches.

The locals of course won the National 2nd Division title in February and look like being joined in the 1st Division next season by Lasswade, who still have two games left to play and are favourites to clinch the second promotion spot.

Wanderers' record shows only one loss recorded in their league programme whereas Lasswade have already lost six times.

The 'Mighty Swade' do not lack confidence but whether they are a better side than the league champions remains to be seen tomorrow.

President Dougie Sloan said: "It's a great occasion for everyone involved with the club and the interest and support we have had from around the town has been fantastic.

"I want everyone that is going along, whether they are supporters, sponsors, coaches, kids, and most importantly the players, to enjoy the day out and do the occasion justice.

"Wanderers do not get into a national final very often and it is a gala day for the whole town to enjoy. Hopefully we can make it a success by bringing home the trophy."

Wanderers had a week off last Saturday and the time was used wisely, with the team engaging in the first of a series of squad sessions that will determine the starting line-up and tactics for the big game.

Coach Bob Adams said: "These are the games all players want to play in and the preparation has been very good. I am delighted to say we have a fully-fit squad to choose from.

"The mental attitude on finals day is very often a deciding factor and we will be emphasising to our players that tomorrow is just another tough game we need to win.

"We will get to the stadium early and the boys can take in the atmosphere and get used to their surroundings, but once that whistle goes total focus will be on the job in hand.

"Nerves and inhibitions will be left in the changing room and the only thoughts will be on winning the shield and bringing it home to Greenock."

The locals will take a squad of 22 players through to Murrayfield. The tried-and-trusted partnerships that have done so well this season will hook up again.

The pack to a man has excelled and their final test of the season pits them against their closest rivals. A repeat of the semi-final performance against Dalziel would be very welcome and the terrier-like determination that has been a feature this season will be much in evidence tomorrow.

With a ball-winning pack, a polished half-back pairing and a skilful and fast back line, Wanderers have all the ingredients necessary to ask big questions of the Lasswade defensive resolve.

In truth, the game is too close to call and nerves may well play a part in the outcome for both sides. Coaches Dave McVey and Adams will have their charges fired up and the players will be bursting with pride as they take to the field in red, yellow and black tomorrow.

This season's results of played 28, won 27 is already an outstanding achievement. There is no doubt that Wanderers can raise their game once more.

l Lasswade v Greenock Wanderers. Scottish Hydro-Electric National Shield Final at Murrayfield, kick-off 2pm.

WANDERERS: D Smith, A McMichael, M Lavelle, M Gray, A Abernethy, M Duncan, G Mooney, C Robb, A McDougall, A Devlin, L Tyley, D Murray, K Smith, B McGroarty, D Watson (c), J MacArthur, R Lavelle, C Clark, J Stewart, S Connolly, G Fletcher, I Forster.

Wanderers are sponsored by National Semiconductor (UK) Ltd.

This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 23 Apr 10

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