BT Cup Finals Preview: Wandies look to topple Shield holders Carrick

Murrayfield Wanderers take on defending BT Shield champions, Carrick, in tomorrow’s showdown at the national stadium as part of BT Cup Finals Day (kick-off 5.45pm). The local side, whose clubhouse is located on the stadium grounds of BT Murrayfield, look to bring their form from BT East Region Division 1 to this Saturday’s BT Shield final, having already secured promotion to BT National League Division Three.The club last tasted final victory in 2005 and will aim to claim their second piece of silverware this season after channelling expected nervous energy.Wandies captain, Murray Hastie, said: “I think there will be a little bit of nerves but when we get out there, we’ll really enjoy it.It’ll be my first time playing on the BT Murrayfield pitch, so I’m personally looking forward to it. We went out kicking there the other day and it’s a fantastic place to have a run about.”Growing up you don’t think you’re going to get the opportunity to play there so to do that on Saturday will be great.”I think the league campaign is a long shift and we’ve had some contests in there but getting to BT Murrayfield and going for the Shield is something we’ve been wanting all season and the boys are definitely switched on now.”Wandies’ opposition form a strong contingent in Carrick, who are defending their BT Shield title from last season’s final, when the Ayrshire club pushed past Highland 34-27 at BT Murrayfield.Carrick have enjoyed much success in the league this season, finishing second in BT West Division 1 and with the club benefitting from its close links with Carrick Academy, the emphasis is on development from grassroots to senior rugby.Carrick captain, Michael Kirk, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to lead the boys out at BT Murrayfield this year in front of so many family and friends.It is a great achievement from a young developing squad with an average age of 24/25 and our youngest player in the squad, Benjamin Brown, who is just 17. I personally coached Benjamin during his involvement in the school’s U18 squad this year and this is a massive achievement for both him and the school.”Murrayfield Wanderers have done extremely well in the league this year, seeing them return to National Three and I’m sure it’ll be a very tough and hard fought game which we are very much looking forward to.”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.