Silver Saturday Preview: Women’s Shield final: Biggar v West of Scotland

West of Scotland were winners of last year's Women's National Shield.

Both sides competed in West Region League Division 1 this season. Biggar finished second, losing out on the title by just one point with 13 wins from 14 games. West of Scotland were just behind them in third, with 8 wins from their 14 outings.

In the National Shield, Biggar’s young squad topped Group D with four wins from four against Greenock Wanderers, Kelso, Oban Lorne and Corstorphine 2XV.

That then took them to the semi-final, where they triumphed 27-5 over Broughton to get a spot at Silver Saturday, where they will look to repeat history by winning silverware at Murrayfield after winning the National Plate in 2022 with a team featuring current Scotland centre Emma Orr.

Club Captain Emilia Knights said: “Being a part of this team is something so special. Hard work, dedication and a fierceness can be seen in every single member of this squad at training and games. Being able to showcase some of our best rugby in a national final at Scottish Gas Murrayfield is something that makes us all extremely proud. A lot of us came through the youth teams together, so it’s amazing to be competing in our senior team too.

“While it is fantastic that the rugby path for many of us has been through our youth section. I must acknowledge our pre-existing teammates who have been part of the senior women’s team previously and competed at Murrayfield two years ago. It’s important to give these players their due as they bring their experience and skills into our team which when you put us all together makes us who we are. We know regardless of the score, we all will be extremely proud of our season as a whole and to be finishing at Murrayfield!

“Unfortunately, due to injury, I will not play in this final. However, having been Captain to this exceptional squad for the past two seasons is an experience I will remember fondly. I believe in them.”

Head Coach Nic Humphries added “This team represents what our club is about. An extremely young team that have come through the youth Squads and work hard for each other. 18 of the 22 have played within our youth teams and 15 of the 22 players are 21 years old or younger. As a whole squad they have worked hard all season to continually improve, all that we can ask for as a group of coaches, and their successful journey to a national final is a deserved success.

“The final is another step in this team’s evolution and whatever the result we will be a better for our participation in the final.”

Biggar secured the Women’s National Plate in 2022.

2022/23 champions West of Scotland were also unbeaten in the group stages, winning all four games in Pool B against Howe of Fife, Strathmore, Inverness Craig Dunain and Orkney Dragons.

Their semi-final was against Grangemouth Stags, which they won 29-10 to book their place in Saturday’s final.

Last season, West of Scotland beat Cartha Claymores 19-12 at Scottish Gas Murrayfield to win the Shield,

Captain Alexa Smith said: “After such an exciting final last year, we made it our mission to return to Murrayfield again. We have used this as motivation to train harder than ever this season and it’s amazing to see us succeed in achieving this.

“It’s been so rewarding to see us grow as a team this season and we can’t wait to represent our club, our families and show everyone coming to watch the final why we deserve to be here again this year.” 

Head Coach said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our squad’s achievement in reaching the Shield final. Returning to Scottish Gas Murrayfield to defend the Shield is simply fantastic.

“Our journey to the final has been remarkable, from Burnbrae to Orkney, and we have demonstrated incredible team spirit and determination along the way. I’m truly excited for all of them to share in this experience.

“I eagerly anticipate what promises to be a thrilling match. We’re ready to give it our all and make some unforgettable memories out there on the field.”

West of Scotland were winners of last year’s Women’s National Shield.

To view the Biggar team, click HERE.

To view the West of Scotland 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.