Dalkeith lifted the women’s National Bowl last Sunday by defeating Strathaven on the back pitch at Murrayfield, but who will join them in lifting silverware this coming weekend?
Alongside four men’s finals at Hive Stadium and Murrayfield there will be three women’ s finals on Silber Saturday…
National Shield
Greenock Wanderers versus Wigtownshire, Murrayfield, 10am
Ahead of the first women’s encounter of the day between two Arnold Clark West One rivals, Greenock Wanderers head coach Graham Knox said: “t’s been a season of growth at Greenock for our women’s section at the club.
“This season we’ve managed to put out two XV-a-side squads and the growth in women’s rugby in Inverclyde has been unbelievable.
“Our first team compete in probably the most competitive league in Scotland and it’s been a tough season but a great learning curve for our new recruits.
“We finished fourth but week on week improvements saw us preparing well for the cup. We’ve had a good run in the cup and managed to get a few home ties, but our away match at Highland was the toughest.
Now we are going to the final the players have remained really calm and have just been working really hard at training and are so keen do well for everyone.
“I’m so proud of the girls. It’s not easy to get to cup finals. It’s their dedication and passion that has got them to Silver Saturday. And one thing is for sure is it’ll be some game and probably not one for the faint hearted.”
Wigtownshire skipper Neve Finlay said: “This year’s Shire ladies team has already made history for our club, becoming the first women’s side to make it to Silver Saturday, an achievement we are all incredibly honoured to be a part of.
“We’ve worked so hard to reach finals day and earn our place at Murrayfield, but we know the job isn’t done yet. One final game awaits and it’s one that’s sure to be a hard-fought battle, but one we’re ready to face with a mix of nerves and excitement.
“I’m so proud of how every single player has prepared and performed throughout this cup run. It’s been inspiring to watch and I couldn’t be prouder to captain this group as we run out together for our biggest challenge yet.
What makes it even more special is knowing that our youth players will be in the stands watching us. As the first female development officer of Wigtownshire Rugby Club, it means the world to know we’re paving the way for the next generation.
“We hope they see what’s possible and that one day they’ll be running out for a final too.
“Greenock are a strong side that we know well and have had many close encounters ending in both sides having taken wins so it’s bound to be a battle to the final whistle.”
National Plate
Garioch second team versus Annan, Hive Stadium, 3.30pm
Ahead of this North Three versus West Two match, Garioch second team captain Aimee Coutts said: “It means a lot for our whole team to be playing on Silver Saturday this weekend as the Garioch second team was only formed this season which couldn’t have happened without the Garioch first team paving the way for us.
“As a club we have managed to put out two teams on a number of weekends this season which is amazing to see for our club and for women’s sport in general.
“We are a team of new and returning players, so we have been learning every week using the knowledge of the returning players and the first team squad members to improve our skills and I feel like in the games we have played we’ve made a massive impact already.
“Everyone will be training hard this weekend and ready for the game on Saturday when it comes.”
Annan head coach Colin Warrick stated: “The ladies are really looking forward to the opportunity to play in a national final at the Hive on Saturday.
“They have really worked hard all season determined to rebuild following our relegation last season. Although the league part of our season didn’t go as well as we would have liked the players returned post-Christmas determined to do well in the Plate, winning all our group games and defeating Lenzie by scoring and converting a try to win by one point after extra-time.
“The Ladies have prepared well in last two weeks and head to Murrayfield determined to enjoy the day and seize the opportunity.
“It’s been 10 years in the making with a lot of highs and lows along the way. Special mention to the four Warriors who played in the first competitive game back in 2015 all of which are closing in on their 100th appearance and are sure to be key players on Saturday. They are No.8 Kayleigh Warrick, stand-off Nicole Jancey, centre Malvina McGeoch and full-back Jane Haren.
“It’s also 22 years this year since I was part of Annan men’s team that won the National Bowl so to have my daughter Kayleigh playing on Saturday is special.”
Sarah Beaney Cup
Watsonians versus Hillhead Jordanhill, Murrayfield, 6.30pm
This is a repeat of last year’s final and these two Premiership sides have become used to playing at Murrayfield in recent times.
Watsonians head coach Bruce Millar said: ““As holders, it was important for us to have the chance to defend the trophy in the final and we’re hugely excited to be at Murrayfield again.
“The fact we had 14 players involved in the Celtic Challenge competition – something we’re very proud of as a club – makes navigating the early rounds of the cup a major challenge, so credit to every single player who contributed to our journey to the final.”
Stephen Gillies, the Hills head coach, said: ““As a group we’re really looking forward to Saturday.
“The run to the final has come through consistency, hard work and a desire from the squad to keep progressing.
“Having had 35 players play in the cup to date reaching the final is a reflection of that whole squad effort and it’s something every player should be proud of.”
Squad lists and such like are here
The Guinness Women’s Six Nations runs from March 22 to April 26 and, next up at home, Scotland are at Hive Stadium in round five versus Ireland on the final day – get tickets here.
Wigtownshire are pictured
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