Clark full of belief Eagles can get off to a flyer Perthshire coach confident ahead of league curtain-raiser

Perthshire’s preparations are complete and players are ready for action ahead of this weekend’s Tennent’s National League Division 3 opener.

Coach Alan Clark has a belief flowing through the Eagles as they head for north Ayrshire for a curtain-raising clash against Ardrossan Accies.

Shire went down 34-12 at home to Whitecraigs, a team a division above, in the National League Cup last weekend but there were plenty of positives.

“Final preparations for this week’s league opener have been going really well,” Clark told the Perthshire Advertiser.

“We had an excellent hit out last weekend in the cup against a well-drilled and very physical Whitecraigs, who play in the league above.

“We came through that very well and although the result didn’t go for us we competed well in every area and had the edge over them in the second half.

“With this being our 150th season there is a great deal of excitement around the club.

“As a coaching staff we feel this group of players have matured very well and have worked themselves into the ground over the summer.

“Following a couple of real fallow years there’s also a huge belief from the coaches in the players.

“On the sidelines we’ve also seen some renewed hope and positive comments from perennial supporters who’ve been through thick and thin with us.

“In particular, Georgie Watson, Bryony Robertson and George Clunie.”

Clark understands that any fixture away from home in national league competition is never going to be an easy ride.

He said: “It’s always difficult to know what you’ll face in our league and player availability tends to make a mockery of any homework you do manage to do.

“What we do know is Ardrossan will be tough to beat on their own patch and very strong up front.

“It’s our intention to take points from every game this season.

“The bonus-point system allows you to pick up points for scoring tries and that’s what we’re looking to do this season.

“We’ve also worked very hard on our defence so we’ll be trying to deny others the opportunity to pick up bonus points.

“It’s difficult at this stage to say we must pick up wins in the first few games but that certainly gives you momentum which is massively important.

“We’re certainly going into the season with more confidence than we’ve had in a while and the boys can’t wait to get going.”

Shire are still hoping to add to their squad and Clark concluded: “There’s no signing news as yet, but we are still working on it.”

Kick-off on Saturday afternoon at Ardrossan is 3pm.