HELENSBURGH RFC’s double-header ambitions at Dalziel may still be on the cards... despite the away league match last Saturday falling foul of the weather.
A water-logged pitch failed a morning inspection and left the Grizzlies kicking their heels – though there was the small consolation of watching Scotland’s fine victory over Georgia on the TV back home.
The Greens are due back at Dalziel Park in Motherwell this Saturday, September 7, for a preliminary round tie in the West Regional Shield – and have asked that this fixture decides the outcome of both matches.
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A club spokesman said: “We’re aware that postponements this early in the season only add to fixture congestion come April and May, depending on the weather we get through the worst of the winter.
“We would be happy to accept that the winners on Saturday progress in the Shield, and that the result counts as the opening league fixture.
“However, it needs Dalziel and the SRU and league to agree.”
Helensburgh were hoping for a positive start to the league campaign on Saturday, despite only travelling with a limited squad of 17 players.
Coach David Calderwood’s selection headaches worsen slightly this week, with several of his promising young players unavailable as they head off to begin further education, though he does welcome back prop Dan Bowles after several seasons’ absence while top-try scorer last season Paul Howell (pictured) should have recovered from a virus.
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Calderwood added: “It was disappointing last week to have our game postponed – I sensed the boys were well up for it after the lay-off over the summer.
“Nothing has changed into this week – we know Dalziel will be a difficult proposition.
“They may have come down into our league, but they will have a strong squad and experience of playing up the leagues, so our lads will have to raise their game if they want to compete and bring home the points.”
The kick-off at Dalziel Park is 3pm and as ever, the Grizzlies would welcome as many supporters as possible through in Motherwell to cheer them on.
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