The undefeated Stirling County women are “excited and ready for the clash” against Watsonians in the final of the Arnold Clark Premiership on December 13.
County have secured maximum league points this season following back-to-back wins in the Premiership, including their most recent 40-15 triumph against Watsonians on Saturday – dubbed the dress rehearsal for the final.
However, Stirling vice-captain Sam Taganekurukuru is not complacent following the win. She said: “Watsonians always have such a strong team, playing against them is always a challenge and it’s always the one to watch.
“After beating them last week I am confident they will be coming into this game with that loss in the back of their minds and use that as motivation within this final.”
Watsonians will be hoping the only foreshadowing was the teams on the pitch and not the scoreline, but if previous trends are anything to go by, Stirling will be expected to remain firmly in the driver’s seat come finals day.
Previous meetings this season have seen County beat Watsonians 36-10 and 34-17.
Taganekurukuru reflected on the team’s ambitions going into this season.
She said: “We started this season with three goals. First was to win as many games as possible and play with the best of our ability. Second was to make it to the second round and secure our spot in the final. The last goal will show on the 13th of December.”
The vice-captain also spoke of Stirling’s mindset ahead of the league deciding match. She said: “Our goal is to not drop the standard, the only direction is upwards, play this game with everything we got. I believe in the girls.”
Taganekurukuru said: “I’m extremely proud of the girls, coaching staff, and supporters who have put their time and effort to get us this far.
“We’re all so excited and are ready for this clash. I’m confident with our squad, I back every single player all the way.
“We don’t know what the outcome will be on that day, but it will show who is up for it and who wants the win more.”
Nothing can take away from the already impressive results the Stirling squad have produced, but a loss in the final to current second place Watsonians would be a huge upset for a team on such top form.
Stirling’s successes have earned them hosting privileges for the final, which will kick off at Bridgehaug at 4:10PM, and will be broadcast live on BBC Alba.
