BT Men’s Shield: Carrick hoping to surprise Highland

Carrick are looking to bring their impressive form into the BT Shield final today, after ending St Boswells remarkable run of 59 games undefeated in the semi-final. The club, who are currently placed third in BT West Division 1 have gone from strength to strength over the past couple of seasons, increasing ties with Carrick Academy’s School of Rugby to bring players through.With Scotland and Glasgow Warriors’ player Mark Bennett as backs coach, the squad has drawn on experience from an international level with Bennett helping prepare the back-line ahead of today’s final.Carrick enjoyed a straight forward run to the BT West Regional Shield Final, in which they met Helensburgh (52-17), Allan Glen’s (20-8), Glasgow Academicals (36-25) and Annan (28-5) before defeating St Boswells 19-13 in the national semi-final.Carrick coach, Gordon Brown, said: “We were delighted to be the team who ended St Bowells unbeaten run in the semi-final, it showed just how capable we are of performing on the big occasion.Highland are a strong side but we will focus on our own game in the final and try to use our status as underdogs to our advantage.”Carrick’s opponents, Highland, have consistentlyperformed in BT Caledonia League Division 1 this season, winning 14 of 14 and drawing to Gordonians. The squad’s BT Shield semi-final proved trickier than Carrick’s with Highland edging out North Berwick 25-24 after overcoming Harris Academy FP (54-3), Gordonians (40-8), Strathmore (35-0) and Glenrothes (39-5).The club were also recognised for their high performance standards and growing youth section this season, and were awarded BT Club of the Month for November.Highland coach, David Carson, said: “We are very pleased with our performance in both the league and shield competitions this year, we still have a chance to overtake league leaders Gordonians with some games still left to play.Looking towards the BT Shield final, Carrick secured a fantastic win over St Boswells but we have fantastic team spirit in camp at the moment and hopefully we can come away with the title. BT Cup Finals Day, BT Murrayfield, Saturday 16 AprilBT Cup Final (kick-off 5.45pm)Sarah Beaney Cup Final (kick-off 3.30pm)BT Men’s Shield Final (kick-off 1.15pm)BT Men’s Bowl Final (kick-off 11am)BT Women’s Plate Final (kick-off 1.30pm)BT Women’s Bowl Final (kick-off 12pm)Tickets cost£10 for adults and£5 for U18, student and senior citizens. In the first instance, please contact your finalist club to purchase tickets as all monies are retained by the club for any tickets they sell.Read about the other BT Cup Finals here and keep an eye out for previews of the other matches this week.