Hawick Harlequins skipper hopes Shield final ends in another big celebration

Hawick Harlequins captain Steven Mabon got married earlier in the season – and he is hoping for another big day out with smiles all round today.

The second row has led the club to BT East Division One glory and also the BT Borders Shield already in 2017-18 and they travel to Edinburgh in fine fettle for the BT Shield final with Carrick at BT Murrayfield (12:05pm).

Mabon said: “I missed the first game of the season because I was getting married and then when we were playing Barnton in the semi-final of this event [on 31 March, winning 32-14] I was on my honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. So for that one I was sitting by the pool waiting for text updates – so I owe the guys one.”

Carrick are hoping to win the trophy for a third consecutive occasion. Head coach Gordon Brown said: “We are very much looking forward to the final especially given that it is our third appearance in a row.

“It is the pinnacle for any player to grace BT Murrayfield and to see the local community and families in attendance makes it extra special.”

When Ross Sutherland play in the BT Bowl final against Wigtownshire at 10am the key man for the men from Invergordon is likely to be John Mann. He also acts as the club’s development officer and coach and, as stand-off, he kicked the winning points in the BT Regional Bowl final against Aberdeen University. Then he scored 27 points in the semi of this event against Queensferry.

Meanwhile, Wigtownshire’s journey to this stage has become big news locally.

Indeed, they even got a congratulations message from Stranraer Football Club over their tannoy system at Stair Park during the last home game.