HISTORY could be made on Saturday as Musselburgh RFC aim to pick up a prestigious piece of silverware.
A trip to Edinburgh Academical not only provides the Stoneyhill men with the chance to record a first away win of the campaign but also the opportunity to lift the Bill McLaren Shield.
The prize – named after the Scottish rugby legend – was unveiled in September 2011 and Saturday will mark the first time that Musselburgh have had the chance to get their hands on it.
Graeme Paterson, head coach at Musselburgh, said: “There is the added bit of spice that the Bill McLaren Shield is up for grabs as well.
“That will be a real bonus if we can go into that game, first and foremost get the win, and then the icing on the cake would really be to win that.
“It is the club’s first ever opportunity to contest for it, so we are looking forward to that game.
“Games against Edinburgh Academical always have an edge to them so I think this will be even more so.
“The Bill McLaren Shield was first contested by Hawick and whoever holds it only defends it at home.”
Clubs throughout the country, including Currie Chieftains, Ayr and Watsonians, have held the prize since its inception.
Known as ‘the voice of rugby’, Hawick-born McLaren made his national debut for BBC Radio covering Scotland’s defeat to Wales in 1953.
His career would extend for nearly 50 years, commentating on some of Scotland’s finest moments in the sport.
Musselburgh, who won the reverse fixture against the club from the Capital earlier in the season, are boosted in their bid to lift the accolade after ending a five-game winless run on Saturday with a 40-27 triumph over Selkirk.
Paterson’s team had not played since November 6 and the head coach felt that layoff had helped them.
He said: “It has been a frustrating last five weeks or so.
“We have not really performed to how we can perform.
“That performance on Saturday showed what we can do.
“I am pleased for the guys because they have gone out there and given their performance and got their just deserts. We have played well recently but not put a full game together as such.
“The break probably helped us focus on a few areas, set piece work and that aspect of it, which has given us a platform to play from.”
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