As we ramp things up towards both Silver Saturday and the Caledonia 2 North Play-offs we managed to grab a few insights from our Head Coach Ryan Morrice.
Big win in the National Cup Semi final on Saturday. We’ve had some success already against GHK this year in the league. Were you happy with the overall performance?
It was a big uptake in form from the Newton Stewart game the week before as our form had dipped since winning the league title. No disrespect to Newton Stewart but there was no jeopardy in the game for us, against GHK it was all on the line to get to Murrayfield. It was by no means perfect but the boys got the job done and that’s what semi final rugby is all about. You could see what it meant to them after the game last Saturday.
Obviously the main focus now is going to Murrayfield and putting in a strong showing against Hillhead. What is the mood in camp and what are the messages going out to the guys over the next week and a half?
There is a real feel good factor in with the players, with the 2nds also in a strong position in their play-off games. I’ve told the boys to enjoy the build up as its not every season you get though to a final, its been 25 years since gordonian’s last played at Murrayfield, that said they know they have a lot of work to put in before the final. They understand there is still a massive challenge ahead against Hillhead, they beat the national 3 champions Howe of Fife home and away, also beating Kirkcaldy away is something not many teams do, so if we aren’t fully focused then we could be in for a long afternoon.
How excited are you to experience coaching at Murrayfield and how do you think the boys will rise to the occasion?
Its going to be pretty special to coach at Murrayfield, not a bad way to cap off my Gordonians coaching career. I’ve asked a lot of the boys this season, in the build up to GHK you would have thought we were close to running on empty but the boys energy levels didn’t dip once during the game. I’ve every trust the players will be firing by the time the final comes around.
It’s been a great season so far for the club with only a couple of crucial fixtures left. Did you envisage the season going this way back in summer 2024?
It’s been an unbelievable season. From last season we knew we were good enough to challenge for the league but it was about developing the consistency in performance and turning near misses in to wins and bonus points. As with previously successful league campaigns, I’ve only ever focused on the next game and making sure the boys are prepared. As we started picking up the wins this season you could see them all grow in confidence and take that forward at every opportunity.
The 2nd XV also in a fantastic position as they head off to Stornoway looking to secure their own league win. How have they impressed you over the course of the season?
Similar to the 1st XV you could see the boys grow in confidence as they picked up the wins. The biggest change has been the consistency in selection with a core group of players always available and training. The most impressive thing is they have had long gaps between games but they have stuck in at training to make sure they are as prepared as they can be.
Anything you’d like to say to the wider Gordonians support to encourage them down to Murrayfield on the 19th April?
It would be great to see as many familiar faces in the crowd as it does make a massive difference. It’s been 25 years since we last played at Murrayfield so you never know when you may get the chance to see them run out on the big pitch again.
All info for the National Cup Final can be found on our socials and website. It would be great to see you all there and we will continue to build up towards the big day on the 19th April.
#MONIHGOGOS
