Rugby: National Shield test for Waysiders/Drumpellier

Feb 3 2010 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

CAPTAIN Craig Collin says motivation will not be an issue when Waysiders/Drumpellier RFC begin their assault on Murrayfield this weekend.

The Coatbridge outfit will travel to Allan Glens in the first round of the National Shield on Saturday (kick-off 2.30pm).

W/D, who are sitting safely in mid-table in National League Two, know a late rally towards promotion is unlikely.

But Collin realises the team could still achieve success by booking a place in the final of the shield tournament at the home of Scottish rugby.

And the Langloan skipper admits gaining revenge on Bishopbriggs-based Allan Glens would be a great way to start their journey.

He said: “Getting to Murrayfield is a great incentive and that will provide us with the extra motivation to do well.

“It’s a great prize to aim for. We know we are not going to go up or down in the league so we can look to do well in the shield.

“We were well beaten up there towards the end of last season. We only had half a team due to other commitments and it is something we have talked about.”

Collin and his team-mates were idle again last weekend after their home league match with Preston Lodge was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

“We feel a little bit under-prepared going into the Allan Glens game,” added Collin. “It has been a tough time in terms of the weather.

“Even finding somewhere to train has been a problem but then I’d imagine every team is in the same boat.”

lW/D’s midi squad are off to Murrayfield this Sunday to cheer on Scotland in their first Six Nations tie against France.

Supporters are asked to be at the clubhouse at Langloan for 9.30am with the bus returning to Coatbridge at approximately 6pm.

Meanwhile, the midis’ inaugural Burns Night has been hailed a success.

David Gemmell, Mitchell Gibb and Ricky Hutcheson were guest speakers at the well-attended event with musical entertainment provided by ‘The Three Amigos’.

lW/D’s mini section are well fired-up after buying new playing tops thanks to a recent donation.

Johnny Mack, on behalf of Mortons Rolls, provided funding as part of the company’s ‘Rolling into the Community Programme’.

Additional cash to cover the cost of playing tops came from ATA bar and grill and two bag-packing events arranged by Cumbernauld RFC.