Both our U16 and U18 girls are through to finals day this Sunday at Scottish Gas Murrayfield! We couldn’t be prouder of the effort this group has put in this season. We caught up the coaches and captains from both teams to discuss the big day. Read on to see what they had to say.
U16 Girls Captain – Aoife Powrie-Smith
- What do you think has been the team’s biggest strength so far this season?
- “I think some of our strengths throughout the season have been everyone’s effort at training, and how we have dealt with tough games to be able to improve. As a team we work well together and our comms are good.”
- What are you most looking forward to about Sunday?
- “It means a lot to me and to the team to go and play at Murrayfield. I think I am most looking forward to showing our skills and how we have developed this season.”
- What would winning the final mean to you and your teammates?
- ” Winning would mean a lot to me and the team. It would be amazing to have something to show for all our hard work.”
U16 Head Coach – Jason Clarke
- How have you found the season so far?
- “Stirling County U16 girls have had a rollercoaster of a season which featured big wins playing great rugby but also a couple of underperformances in key games. The cup semi-final against Biggar was a hard fought contest which saw a narrow loss, despite County playing really well. The Shield final is another opportunity to show our real selves and see the squad rewarded for all their efforts.”
- What kind of challenge do Dundee present on Sunday?
- “It’s great to see how well Dundee have developed this season. They’re a big, physical side that is well coached. We’ll have to meet that physical challenge to be able to impose our all-court game and out-score them.”
U18 Girls Captain – Emily Forsyth
- “This season has been very successful for us, with us being unbeaten and winning the national league. I am so incredibly proud of how much the girls have grown since the start of the season until now, and I have great confidence that the girls will perform on Sunday. Playing at Murrayfield is always a surreal experience and Biggar have always been a tough side to face, but we are ready and excited for the challenge.”
U18 Head Coach – Ross Haddow
- “This successful season for Stirling County is a testament to the girls’ hard work, determination and team spirit; they should be immensely proud. Biggar have set the benchmark over the past couple of seasons, and facing them in the Cup Final is a fantastic challenge – one we are eagerly anticipating. If both teams play the rugby they are capable of, it will be a fantastic spectacle for the Murrayfield crowd and a great showcase for girls rugby in Scotland.”
