The Glasgow Tigers kick off the second half of their 2019 season with a short road trip to their closest division rivals, the East Kilbride Pirates. After emerging from the first half of the season with a respectable 3-2 record, the Tigers will look to close out the year by correcting their missteps from the first round of games – starting with the team responsible for their biggest defeat this year.
The sides met at Nethercraigs on May 19 in the first league clash for a number of years between two teams separated only by the distance of Pollok Park geographically, but division’s apart in the BAFA National Leagues over the years.
A disappointing afternoon for the Tigers started with a fumble leading to early points for their opponents, who soon made the advantage count to forge a lead that would prove insurmountable for Glasgow.
The final scoreline of 47-14 showed that the Tigers never really came close enough to threaten an upset against what is now the division’s only unbeaten side – but Coach McCluskey and his players will take heed from the third quarter.
Tough, gritty performances on both sides of the ball held the Pirates to just six passing yards and negative rushing yards while the Tigers scored their two touchdowns in the same quarter.
Since the first clash between Glasgow’s two teams, the Pirates have continued to look strong as they build a division lead that looks certain to propel them into the playoffs.
The Pirates made short work of the Gateshead Senators with a 49-12 victory at home two weeks ago, before they headed into one of the seasons most anticipated games, an away trip to fellow pace-setters Northumberland Vikings.
Both teams went into the game undefeated, but it would be the Pirates who left with a spotless record. A cagey affair, finishing 8-5 to the East Kilbride side, left them in pole position for the rest of the season – but not without cost.
The sides young QB Sam Montgomerie, who was one of the Pirates most impressive performers in their first win against the Tigers, was taken out of the game over concussion concerns and played no further part in the game.
The official Pirates site reported that Montgomerie had cleared the concussion protocol, but it remains to be seen whether Montgomerie will return or veteran QB Neil Baptie will be leading the way for the Pirates tomorrow.
The Tigers go into the game hoping to keep their postseason hopes alive, particularly as a key clash with the second placed Vikings looms. The Pirates, already well on their way to the playoffs, will aim to keep their record unblemished – meaning the game will be just as important as the first encounter.
The Tigers travel to Braidholm, in Giffnock, for a 2.30pm kick-off tomorrow. Entry costs £3, and a pitch side bar and hot food stall will be available. Make sure and follow the Tigers on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest updates.
