West Shield semi-final on Saturday

OBAN Lorne welcome familiar opponents Carrick RFC on Saturday in the semi-final of the West Regional Shield.

The Green Machine have progressed to the semi-final stage courtesy of an impressive 55- 0 win over Division 2 champions Stewartry and a bye against relegated Helensburgh RFC.

Saturday’s game is set to be an extremely tough test with matches between the two sides being mainly close affairs over the past few seasons. The sides have already met on West Division 1 league duty this season. Oban recorded an impressive 17-15 win at Glencruitten back in October while Carrick won the reverse fixture 43-27 at the start of 2017.

The Green Machine will be full of confidence ahead of Saturday’s big match with an upturn in both performances and results since new year. Coach Corrie Louw will have a strong and large squad to choose from this weekend including a couple of key players returning from long-term injury.

Preparations for Saturday’s match have been disrupted by a lack of winter training facilities in the Oban area. With Glencruitten currently waterlogged, the team have been forced to cancel training sessions or even train inside the clubhouse. Fortunately at times space has been available on the high school all-weather pitch.

The winner of Saturday’s semi-final will progress to the West Regional Shield final on Saturday March 11. This game will be played away to Irvine RFC.

If Oban Lorne reach the final stage of the competition the team will only be two wins away from a historic second cup final appearance at BT Murrayfield in recent seasons.

Saturday’s match will be played most likely at North Connel, with kick- off at 3pm. The venue of the game will be confirmed on the club website and Facebook page.