PIRATES PLANNING A RAPID RETURN
Trip to Aberdeen will launch their 2019 campaign
East Kilbride Pirates will begin their 2019 North Conference One campaign away to Aberdeen Roughnecks after the schedule for the new season was released.
The town’s American football team are hoping to bounce straight back to the top flight after they were relegated last term.
And it all kicks-off on Sunday, April 14, with a trip to the Granite City.
Pirates play their home games in Giffnock following a deal with GHA Rugby Club last season and this has been renewed for the year ahead.
Yorkshire Academy Rams will be the first visitors to Braidholm of the campaign on Sunday, May 12 and the season will come to a close on Sunday, July 21 at home to Northumberland Vikings.
All sides play each other home and away, with Glasgow Tigers and Gateshead Senators making up the rest of the division.
Pirates chair Amanda McDonald said: “We’re delighted to have our 2019 conference schedule set so early.
“This allows us time to prepare and focus on the challenge ahead – which is to return to the Premiership as soon as possible.
“NFC 1 North includes some familiar faces, as well as some new challenges for the Pirates, and means we have two Scottish opponents – Glasgow Tigers and Aberdeen Roughnecks.
“We’re also delighted to confirm we’ll be playing our games at GHA Rugby Club again next season.
“We enjoyed a very warm welcome to Braidholm this year, and appreciate their excellent facilities.”
At the turn of the year, the Pirates will be holding an open rookie session.
On Sunday, January 6 Hamilton Palace Sports Ground will play host to the try-outs between 12pm-3pm before the team return to regular practice on January 13.
Amanda added: “The immediate focus is to get ready for the new season.
“Head coach Jamie McLaughlin and his coaching team have already been working hard on plans for next year.
“We held an off-season practice session earlier this month that was well attended and allowed us to get a head start, but the real work will begin from January.”
Meanwhile, the Pirates have been awarded a Magic Little Grant of £500 through the partnership between Localgiving and the Postcode Community Trust, which will be used to support their women’s team.