Published: Thursday, 15th February, 2007 17:21
Dunlop: We can match Dumfries
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HELENSBURGH Rugby Club manager Charlie Dunlop is gearing up for one the biggest matches of the league season this week, as his side welcome Dumfries to Ardencaple.
Burgh have been on good form since the start of 2007 and go into the game full of confidence after beating Hawick Linden 29-10 two weeks ago.
However, the Greens gaffer knows that the Borders outfit will be a much tougher nut to crack as they currently sit top of National League Three — and are undefeated.
He told Sport Scene: `It's going to be tough. Our results have been good so far and in the three games we have drawn and lost, it has only been by a small number of points.
`We have a good squad and I'll make sure they are well prepared for Saturday's game. If the guys stick to our tactics, I think we could get a result.
`Dumfries are a big, physical side and to stand toe-to-toe with them. We will need to play well and use all our talent to beat them.
`It would be a great achievement to be the first team to beat them, and I believe we are capable of doing so.
`We have five games left to play in the league and I hope we can win all of them to give us a chance of promotion, as this club should be challenging at the top of the league every year.`
Helensburgh have every right to feel confident after disposing of Hawick Linden in the National Bowl.
Burgh will face Morgan, of Dundee, in the last 16 of the prestigious competition on March 17 and Dunlop says the lure of a final at Murrayfield can spur his troops on in the tournament.
He said: `We have a lot of young guys in our ranks, some of whom are only 18. We have a good youth set-up and look to bring through fresh talent from the schools.
`Obviously, the National Bowl is a massive competition and you get to play the final at Murrayfield. It is every rugby player's dream to play there.`
Despite not having a match last week, the dedicated Burgh players were still involved in rugby on Saturday — but in very different surroundings.
Charlie said: `With no game on last week, some of the lads went to see Scotland against Wales in Edinburgh.
`I went to see the national side too and had a great time. I didn't care that there were no tries scored — the win was the most important thing.
`However, some of the boys who didn't make it along decided to get together for a bounce game between themselves to keep them fit.`
* Helensburgh v Dumfries, Saturday, Ardencaple, kick-off 2pm.
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