The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Aplin digs deep for stern test of Grammar resolve
Champions-elect will be toughest match of season for Aberdeen
NATIONAL 1
Aberdeen Grammar centre Tom Aplin believes tomorrow’s trip to champions-elect Marr will be the acid test of the progress his team has made in recent weeks.
Aplin rates Marr, who have lost just one of their 17 matches, as the best team in the division and fully expects theTroonclub tobe playing Premiership rugby next season.
That won’t stop his side from trying to cause an upset, however, and he said: “They’re the best team outside Ayr, who we played in the Scottish Cup, that we’ve faced all seasonandit already looks as if theyhave one foot in the Premiership.
“Our focus is on the games against Musselburgh and Dundee High School FPs and we know Marr away will be a huge challenge for us.
“But it’s one we will go into with the aim of taking something from this game.
“The two wins against Hamilton andHowe of Fife have really given us something to play for and, while we haven’t been able to build on those victories, we’re improving every week.
“Marr willbethe acid test of the progress we’re making and what work we have to do.”
Grammar go into the game following an 18-9 loss at Selkirk last weekend.
Despite the defeat, Aplin was pleased with the determination shown by his team-mates.
He said: “The conditions at Selkirk were terrible and neither side managed to get any phases going.
“They were a little bit smarter than us butwehad a couple of players making their first appearances and they did well. It’s just disappointing that we came away with nothing to show as we competed well.”
The season is heading towards its climax but, for Aplin, the summer will not be a time to put his feet up and rest after a long and hard season as he, along with some of his Grammar team-mates, will still be playing as they switch codes to play rugby league for Aberdeen Warriors.
Aplin is captain of the only rugby league team in the city and, while playing all year can be demanding, he enjoys the challenge of playing both codes.
He said: “I still enjoy playing rugby league.
“AberdeenWarriors’ season
“Acid test of the progress we’re making and what work we have to do”
starts around the end of April, with the grand final taking place in the second week of August so there’s no problem.
“Most of the rugby league players play union as well and it’s where Imet our coach, Ali O’Connor.
“It’s good to keep ticking over in the summer for the start of the union season when it comes around in the autumn.”