BT Cup Finals Preview: Kirkcaldy and Garioch battle for the Bowl

Garioch and Kirkcaldy will go head-to-head at BT Murrayfield this Saturday as they compete to be crowned BT Women’s Bowl winners for 2016/17 at BT Cup Finals Day, kick-off 11am. Kirkcaldy defeated Grangemouth and Annan respectively, while Garioch defeated last year’s BT Women’s Bowl winners, Glasgow University, on their journey to this year’s final.The two teams both compete in the BT Women’s National League Division 1 and met in their first game of the season which saw Garioch return to Inverurie with the win.Kirkcaldy captain, Alison Massie, said: “It’s amazing to reach the final at BT Murrayfield. We have rebuilt the squad over the last couple of years and making the final is the result of incredible commitment and hard work by all.The team set the challenge at the start of the season to make BT Cup Finals Day and are now very excited about the prospect of being a part of the day.”Massie added how proud she is of her team following their tough season which saw the club lose one of their women’s players in a car accident: “Having had such a difficult season after losing our teammate, Sharon, I am so proud of how the team have rallied around and supported each other; we are now stronger than ever.Winning at BT Murrayfield would be the icing on the cake and we look forward to a fantastic game against our friends at Garioch.”Kirkcaldy last lifted a trophy at BT Cup Finals Day when they won the BT Women’s Plate in season 2007/08.Garioch have performed well for a second consecutive season, finishing first in the BT Women’s National League Division 2 for 2015/16 after winning 12 from 14 matches, and have climbed to second place in this year’s BT Women’s National League Division 1 off the back of their recent promotion.Garioch have not won any silverware in recent years, however the team are looking forward to their trip to BT Murrayfield for BT Cup Finals Day.Captain Alana Davidson said: “Garioch are super excited about being in the Bowl final and playing at BT Murrayfield. We started with five women back in 2009 and, since then, have grown from strength to strength.We currently have around 30 registered women players and are continually recruiting. North East women’s rugby is on the up and it’s great to see other teams, as well as our own, developing all over.”We’ve been training hard and, with it being our last game of the season, we know we have to put in a shift to defeat Kirkcaldy and bring the Bowl home.” BT Cup Finals Day, Saturday 22 April, BT Murrayfield International Pitch:BT Men’s Bowl Final: Blairgowrie v Portobello (11am)Sarah Beaney Cup: Murrayfield Wanderers v Hillhead / Jordanhill (1.15pm)BT Cup Final: Melrose v Ayr (3.30pm)BT Men’s Shield Final: Murrayfield Wanderers v Carrick (5.45pm)Back Pitches:BT Women’s Plate Final: Stirling County v Stewartry (11am)BT Women’s Bowl Final: Kirkcaldy v Garioch (11am) Tickets cost£10 for adults and£5 for U18 and senior citizens with clubs receiving a commission for any tickets purchased which are associated with their club. Read all about the other BT Cup Finals here.