East Kilbride Pirates captain Neil Baptie says they’re playing for “bragging rights” in what is almost a derby match against Edinburgh Wolves.
Pirates kick off their BAFA National League Caledonia campaign at their new home at GHA Rugby Club in Giffnock on Sunday, with a 4pm kick-off.
Due to Covid, it’s a regional league for Pirates this term, with just six games in the Caledonia division, and no promotion or relegation.
Baptie admits everyone’s excited just to get started back up again following lockdown, and says it’s not a game either side will be taking lightly.
It’s the first time Pirates have been in action since August 11, 2019, when they were edged out 21-20 by Sandwell Steelers in the play-off quarter-finals of the Division One Championship.
“It’s a game that’s always highly touted and anticipated, because it’s always generally labelled as the ‘battle of the north’ or the ‘kings of the north’, so bragging rights are definitely up for grabs,” said the quarterback.
“Everyone who’s playing in it is excited about the chance to go.
“It has been a couple of years since we’ve played them – they’ve been up in the Premiership, which unfortunately we were demoted from a few years ago.
“In building back up, I feel as though our roster that we have is arguably one of the best we’ve ever had.”
He added: “It’s definitely going to be a battle of what looks to be two Premiership teams. I feel that we’re able to challenge these Premiership level teams, Edinburgh Wolves being that first opportunity to give that demonstration.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.
