The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)

NATIONAL 2

- BY ANDY SKINNER

Aberdeensh­ire head coach Alex Duncan hopes last week’s return to winning ways is the springboar­d for better form ahead of a tough winter schedule.

Shire ended a run of three straight losses with a 43-17 National 2 victory at Ardrossan Academical­s last Saturday, which keeps them within nine points of leaders Cartha Queen’s Park.

Duncan is anticipati­ng a tough run of fixtures, starting with tomorrow’s home game againstWes­t of Scotland.

He said: “We have a run of games against west coast teams, with a trip to Hillhead Jordanhill next week followed by a home game against Whitecraig­s.

“We are looking to build momentum to take into some of the tougher games we have in December, against the likes of Cartha Queen’s Park.

“West of Scotland won’t have had to travel to Aberdeen before, so they won’t be used to the journey. They have a couple of good forwards we know about. We will really be looking for a good defensive performanc­e.”

Shire did not have their problems to seek ahead of last week’s game, with the already depleted squad arriving in Ayrshire late due to travel problems.

The Woodside men will welcome back the likes of Conor Macfarlane, James

“We are looking for momentum to take into some of the tougher games”

Halmshaw and Nikki Fraser.

Duncan, who is returning after missing last weekend’s match through holiday, wants another display of character from his Shire players.

He added: “We had four forwards unavailabl­e and we had to change our scrum half and stand off last week.

“To make matters worse was we only arrived 25 minutes before the start of the game.

“What was pleasing though was the players showed resolve and also character.

“We have been conceding too many points but that was our best defensive performanc­e this season – and we need another one.

“We have scoring potential right across the pack, so we need to keep control of games and our set-pieces have to be strong as well.

“Our captain Greig Ryan has been in outstandin­g form. He has really been pushing the team on in the last

few weeks.”

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom