Caithness coach wants Millbank to be ‘a horrible place to play’
The Greens are set to be near full strength for Saturday’s visit of Blairgowrie in the second round of the National Shield.
The return of a cadre of experienced regulars gives coach head coach Cameron Boyd some welcome headaches in finalising his squad for the tie.
Blairgowrie are going well in the Midlands Conference of Caley 1. Their six wins out of seven leaves them a point below leaders Perthshire, whom they defeated 33-32 last month.
Boyd said: “They have been having a good season so far and we’re expecting a tough challenge from them.
“We prepare the same whether it is a league or a cup match and the focus must be on playing our own game. We have to be proactive, rather than reactive.”
Boyd enjoys playing in the national tournament as it provides the opportunity to play different teams.
The Greens booked their place in the second round with a 62-20 win at home to Caley 1 Midlands strugglers Panmure.
Their chances are boosted by the return of a handful of experienced campaigners.
Number eight and skipper Cole Wilson, back-three player Cameron Ryder, lock Tom Storey and back-rower Shane Campbell have recovered from various injuries.
Full back/stand-off Scott Webster remains a doubt as he continues his rehab from a shoulder injury and centre Charlie Quinn is still out with a knee problem.
Lock/number eight Kevin Brims is back after being sidelined through work commitments, while lock Kevin Budge should also be available.
Centre Max Kennedy misses out as he is going to Sunday’s Scotland v South Africa international.
Boyd wants to restore Millbank’s reputation as a venue away sides treat with trepidation.
“We need to make Millbank a horrible place to play,” he said. “We’ll, of course, look after them afterwards but when they are between the white lines we want to make it as unpleasant as possible for them.
“I’m really looking forward to the game. We don’t know much about Blairgowrie but the focus must be on us and how we need to play.”
The last time the teams met was in April 2022 when the Greens defeated the under-strength visitors 24-12.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 1.30pm.
In other second-round ties involving Caley 1 North Conference sides, leaders Aberdeenshire host Perthshire while the two others, Mackie and Ellon, meet in Stonehaven.
Caithness Seconds are also at home on Saturday when they entertain Fraserburgh in Caley North 3 in a game with a 2pm kick-off.
