Shire are pulling title strings

Aberdeenshire coach Alex Duncan believes his side could have a major say in the destination of the National 2 title.

Cartha Queen’s Park have a 12-point lead at the top of the table after their 37-10 victory against secondplaced Kelso last weekend, but Kelso have two games in hand.

Shire, who occupy fifth spot, hostCartha thisweekend before ending thecampaign with home matches against GHK and Kelso.

Duncan said: “Was I surprisedbyCartha’s score last weekend? Yes and no.

“Kelso were missing four forwards and two backs. They were understrength and I’m not sure whether that was down to injuries or player unavailability.

“I have watched the game online and Cartha didn’t dominate as much as the finishing scoreline suggests.

“Kelso weren’t at the races but Cartha are a solid team and have picked up some real momentum.

“Itwill be a big challenge this weekend but that is what we want.”

Cartha will be feeling confident after last weekend’s victory against their title rivals but there has been plenty of encouragement for Shire as well.

The free-scoring Woodside men are seeking a third win on the bounce after following up a 63-12 thumping of Hillhead Jordanhill with a 61-41 success against Whitecraigs last Saturday.

Duncanadded:“Wehave the great advantage of having the same front row for the third consecutive game.

“Unfortunately, Will Alton has played his last game for us after finishing university and moving to England.

“He has been great for us but he will be replaced by Connor Macfarlane, who hasn’t played a lot this season.

“Mike McKeand is unavailable, so we will have a bit of a reshuffle at the back withPaulPaxton moving to 10, Nat Coe to 12 and Ross Greig to 15.”