League the priority for fly-half Dearden
An extended cup run would be welcomed but Perthshire flyhalf Adam Dearden admits the league takes priority this term.
The Eagles have been hard in training this week for a National League Cup first round encounter away at Howe of Fife.
Howe, who hail from Cupar, ply their trade in the same division as Shire and narrowly got the better of them earlier in the season.
Dearden is determined for performances to continue moving in the correct direction and believes there is real belief of achieving a positive result.
“I didn’t play against Howe of Fife but the team only lost by nine points - and they seem to be one of the favourites for the league,” he said.
“It’s hard to say what to expect in a cup game because you don’t know if they will be resting players or play a full team.
“I would say the league is the higher priority but you can’t ever go wrong with a little cup run. From our point of view, we’re wanting to take some confidence out of the game. Win, lose or draw we want to be moving forward every week.
“Last year I think we went on a run of four wins on the trot and we took massive confidence from that.
“It would be good to go on a run now. We’ll try to win in the cup on Saturday and iron out a few different areas in training.
“We all need to buy into what the coaches are saying and work hard.”
Shire head into the Howe of Fife contest following a 32-20 North Inch league defeat at the hands of Berwick.
The Eagles were, for the second game on the spin, ahead at the break but failed to capitalise to secure maximum points.
“Traditionally we have had bad starts to games this season, but the last couple we have got off on the front foot.
“In the first 10 minutes of the second half Berwick got the momentum and we struggled to chase the game.
“It’s an easy excuse to say we’re unfit, but the fitness levels are there. It’s more a lack of composure in certain key areas.
“It can be annoying because I would say we were in the game for long periods of time. It’s only five or 10 minute periods when we are struggling.
“Hopefully by the turn of the season we can turn games we’ve narrowly lost into wins. Any team can genuinely beat anyone in this league, that’s how I feel about it. The margins are very small.
“There is so much travel involved in the league and, for me, that plays a factor. If you win your home games, you’ve got a good chance.”
Experienced Dearden realises it will take time for some of the club’s younger members to get up to full speed.
“Perth is a place that doesn’t have people coming to study like Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen,” Dearden explained.
“We’re relying on boys with jobs and those who are coming out of school and staying in the area.
“We had a few boys coming into the team this year from the Colts, who have been good. With the likes of Ryan Miller, Matt Rae and myself, we have got a good mix of youth and experience.
“You need to have composure and come together as a team.”
Shire’s under-15 and under-16 sides, meanwhile, travelled to take on Ayr/ Wellington in round seven of the Shogun Conference on Sunday. And both teams returned to the Fair City with full points following a nail-biting day of rugby.
Both games were incredibly close with the U15s crashing over the line to win the game on the final play. The final score was 26-28 to Perthshire.
The U16s, without number eight Doug Yellowley who was in Cardiff with a Glasgow Warriors’ youth team, were also involved in a classic. They held firm to secure a memorable 24-35 triumph and now look forward to this weekend’s test against table toppers Stirling County.