Silver Saturday preview: Women’s Plate final: Caithness Krakens v Uddingston

Caithness Krakens formed in 2021, and this season finished second in Caledonia North Region League 2, just two points behind winners Highland.

They topped Pool D in the group stages, winning their three games against Lochaber, Dundee Valkries 2nd XV and Bannockburn.

In their semi-final, they defeated Kirkcaldy 36-19 away from home to secure their first appearance at Silver Saturday.

Captain Nicola Mackay said: “As a fairly new women’s team, making it into the finals means so much to the team and the club. We’ve had a brilliant season so far and have really connected as a team.

“Our preparation coming into the final has been very good with everyone working hard to get our game to the level required to win a final. We are very excited to be playing at Scottish Gas Murrayfield and expect a very tough game from Uddingston, who have also had a great run coming into this Saturday’s game.

“Since starting the team the Krakens family has grown, with six Kraken babies arriving in that time and one on the way, hopefully continuing the legacy for the club going forward.”

Uddingston in action this season.

Having started out little over three years ago with three players, Uddingston competed in West Region League Division 2 this season, finishing mid-table with four wins and six losses.

In the plate, group stage wins against Lismore, Hamilton and Leith saw them top Pool A with 13 points.

A 41-20 win over Perthshire in the semi-final means that Uddingston will also be at Silver Saturday for the first time.

Head Coach Stuart Chalmers said: “To be finalists in a national competition in only their second season of playing 15 a side rugby is down to hard work, commitment, and a desire to succeed. Our route to the final has not been easy with some tough games along the way and we know that this final against Caithness Krakens will be our toughest task yet. 

“We have played some great rugby and everyone in the squad is excited to represent the team. The pride and admiration I have for every player in the squad cannot be described by words alone and I have no doubt that they have the ability and mindset to win in the final.”

Captain Kirsten Harkness added: “I’m not sure it will fully sink in that we are in the final of the National Plate until we’ve stepped out onto the pitch at the Hive.

“It is a privilege to Captain this team on an historic day for Uddingston Rugby club. I am so proud of this team and how far we have come since the beginning of this season, our first playing 15’s having played in the Aspiring League in 2022. The buzz at training and the effort everybody has put in has been unbelievable and hopefully that shows in the final.

“Women’s rugby is growing at a phenomenal rate and our team is definitely contributing to that. Hopefully we can inspire the next generation of Selkies, as well as continuing to add to our current team.

“We have been playing some great rugby during this Plate run, which is down to the cohesion of the squad and the quality of coaching we receive. I hope that we can continue our success into the final and take the win against Caithness Krakens.”

To view the Caithness Krakens team, click HERE.

To view the Uddingston team, click HERE.

On the day

Gates will open at 10am for spectators, with a range of food and drink options available throughout the day. 

You can view up-to-date fixtures and results on the day HERE. 

Ticketing

The ticketing portal is now live. You will receive your tickets through Scottish Rugby’s ticketing app. If you have not already, you can download the app here. 

Finalist rugby clubs can earn commission on Silver Saturday 2024 match tickets if purchased through the club’s unique URL. If you want to support your rugby club in this way, please ensure you use the URL of the club you wish to support. 

Once you click on the link, you’ll be taken to the Scottish Rugby Online Ticket Centre to make your purchase in the standard way. Club URLs can be found here. 

Media accreditation 

Accreditation for media outlets and club photographers/videographers will close on Friday 26 April at 5pm. You will be refused entry if you are not properly accredited. Click here to be taken to the accreditation portal.