Krakens have plenty of momentum going into quarter-final clash
Caithness Krakens will bid to extend their unbeaten season on Sunday when they host Broughton in the quarter-finals of the National Shield.
Mike Flavell’s outfit powered to the Caley North 2 title after lifting the National Plate competition last season.
Having racked up three bonus-point wins to head their qualifying pool, they go into the match with plenty of momentum.
Broughton won three out of their four pool matches to finish runners-up behind Ayr.
They earlier clinched the Midlands/East Division 1 title after defeating Dundee Valkyries in a play-off in mid-January.
There is a familiar face who will be returning to her home town with the Edinburgh club.
Player/coach Lorna Murdoch cut her teeth in the game as a Caithness mini and played for Craig Dunain at a time when there was no senior women’s team in the far north.
Lorna has played Aussie rules, captaining the Edinburgh Bloods and leading the Scottish Sirens to third place in the Euro Cup competition in Edinburgh in 2022.
Flavell is anticipating another attritional contest in which no quarter will be given.
“We’ve learned from our three pool games against Division 1 teams that if we can front up physically, then we have the backs that can do some damage,” he said. “It’s knockout rugby and we want to take full advantage of playing at home.”
Flavell has a full squad to choose from, with flanker Helen Richard, scrum-half Aileen Simmonite and outside centre Lauren Gunn in contention again after being unavailable for the last pool game, away to Howe Harlequins.
Number eight Lara Campbell and stand off Caitlin Flavell have shaken off knocks they picked up in the 31-7 win.
Sunday’s match at Millbank kicks off at 2pm.
