'We're ready for them' says confident McIntosh
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‘THEY’LL be ready for us, but we’ll be ready for them."
That is how Blair McIntosh (left) described Caithness’s approach to the National Shield Final against Preston Lodge at Broadwood Stadium tomorrow.
The 27-year-old fullback from Thurso said in the 10 years he has played for the club, no match has even come close to the level of expectation and excitement the shield has brought to the area.
The players are going into the game with no fear and he is sure the club can deliver what is required.
"This is the biggest game in the club’s history by a mile," he said. "The importance of this game is five or six times over what the semi-final win against Berwick was – it means so much more.
"It’s the first time the club will play in a national final and for a small place like Caithness it is massive for the area."
With the huge support the club has received in the regional final and national semi-final, McIntosh said there will be no worries about stage fright in Cumbernauld.
The big crowds at Millbank played a huge part in them getting to the final, he maintained, and to hear so many Greens fans are heading to Broadwood Stadium to support the club makes the players proud.
"The buzz we got coming off the pitch at the Berwick game was brilliant," he said. "There was an expectation with such a big crowd. We were comfortable and confident we could win, but having the big support was good as we’d rather have it than not have it.
"Saturday will be a brand new experience for all the boys as we have never played in a national final, we’ll just need to handle the occasion the best we can and see what happens when we get there."
Caithness already knows how to beat Preston Lodge having won against the Prestonpans outfit two years ago at Millbank.
McIntosh said the team was under no illusion about the task they faced, but believes they are more than capable of bringing the shield back home.
He added: "It will be massive for the sport if we win the shield, not just for us a club, but for north of Scotland rugby."
