CARRICK head coach Gordon Brown believes last year’s experience of playing at BT Murrayfield will help his players when they return for this afternoon’s BT Shield final with Murrayfield Wanderers (5.45pm).
Twelve months ago the Ayrshire outfit defeated Highland 34-27 to lift the silverware and Brown said: “After having a taste of the big stage last year the Shield has been a real focus for us and there is no buzz like heading to Murrayfield.
“The senior players know what it is all about and they will be able to guide the newer and younger players through the experience.
“I am expecting it to be a tight game.”
Murrayfield Wanderers stand-off Murray Hastie, who also works as the club’s community development officer, believes the players in the Wanderers side who have played at a higher level could be key in this one.
“We have a good balance in the team between youth and experience and head coach Bruce Aitchison has given us great focus this season and made us determined to stick together and do something special,” he said.
“We have a few players who have experience of playing in big matches before and they will be important.
“Our kick-off is quite late in the day so we need to prepare properly and not get distracted because it will be a competitive match against Carrick.”
Meanwhile, Blairgowrie and Portobello meet in the BT Bowl final at 11am.
The former reached the final by edging out Strathendrick 20-17 in the semi-final.
Loosehead prop Peter Duncan said: “I have played for the club for 17 years, so this is a proud moment.
“In our Bowl run we have had a great support from the town and had close to 500 spectators watching the semi-final.
“The potential for running out of the tunnel at Murrayfield is a special motivational for all in the squad.”
Portobello have had a good season in the league in the East with winger Ali Bain running in 30 tries.
Their skipper Chris Britee-Steer said: “I have really enjoyed this season and we have had competition for places in this final squad which has meant that training has remained at a high level.
“The guys have stuck together and those who have been setting up Ali for his tries deserve a lot of credit. A number of us have been involved with the club since we were very young, so to be heading to Murrayfield is something we are very proud of.”
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