Highland Wildcats became Scottish champions once again last weekend.
Highland Wildcats became 11-time Scottish champions in their 25th year. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats' 2023 captain Gjan Aquino with his successor for 2024 Dovy Meskauskas. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats team captain Dovy Meskauskas. Picture: Fin ScottHead coach Ben Senior gets a victory shower after the Highland Wildcats sealed the 2024 Scottish Championship. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats coaches: offensive co-ordinator Colin Hamilton, head coach Ben Senior and defensive co-ordinator Ally Gibson. Picture: Fin Scott
The American football club have a long track record of success in the sport, becoming Scottish champions every year between 2010 and 2015, then again in 2018 and 2019, and going on another run for the last three years to bring their tally to 11.
Highland Wildcats team captain Dovy Meskauskas (93) makes a tackle on an East Kilbride Pirate. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats wide receiver Eryk Buchwald (64) just about keeps hold of the ball one-handed. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats' Toby Haworth (25) makes a big tackle. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats running back Alexander Macrae on his way to a touchdown. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats cornerback Ben MacCormick (9) makes an interception for a defensive touchdown. Picture: Fin Scott
It was the perfect scenario for them to seal the title last Sunday, getting over the line at their home tournament which also marked 25 years of the club.
Highland Wildcats running back Duncan Hill (55) making a big tackle. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats running back Duncan Hill (55) moves forward with the ball. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats nose tackle Ollie Hourston (56) lines up against the Paisley Bears. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats linebacker Duncan Hill (55). Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats wide receiver Eryk Buchwald (64) leaves a Paisley Bears defender behind on the way to a touchdown. Picture: Fin Scott
Away from the pitch, there was entertainment on offer for all the family to enjoy, including a bouncy castle, stalls and home bakes that contributed to their annual fundraiser for cancer support charity Maggie’s Highlands.
Sam Jones, Owen Martin, Daniel Russell and Raith Reid, Under 19s Merch Stand. Picture: James MackenzieDoughnuts and brownies. Picture: James MackenzieRunning Back Duncan Hill (55) carries three Paisley Bears into the endzone for a touchdown. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats wide receiver Lewis Cornell (85) hauls in a catch. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats quarterback Liam Duncan (4). Picture: Fin Scott
On the pitch, after a minute’s silence to honour former player Andy Adams, one-sided results against the Paisley Bears (28-0) and the East Kilbride Pirates (30-8) were enough to give the Wildcats an unassailable lead over their rivals in the league standings.
A moment of silence. Picture: James MackenzieA minute of silence. Picture: James MackenzieThe Wildcats Homecoming Tournament took place at Highland Rugby Club. Picture: James MackenzieHighland Wildcats huddle up. Picture: Fin ScottHighland Wildcats 2024 team captain Dovy Meskauskas. Picture: Fin Scott
That success will see them progress into the play-offs for a shot at becoming UK champions, starting with the northern section on August 11.
Highland Wildcats running back Toby Haworth (25) evades a tackle. Picture: Fin ScottSupporters. Picture: James MackenzieJackson Murtagh. Picture: James MackenzieDylan Grant and Tate Garnet. Picture: James MackenzieDuncan Hill, Highland Wildcats. Picture: James Mackenzie
The Wildcats will come up against some familiar faces, having played both of their opponents at different stages of the 2023 play-offs – the Chorley Buccaneers and the Manchester Titans.
Highland Wildcats. Picture: James MackenzieAlexander Macrae. Picture: James MackenziePicture: James MackenzieAlexander Macrae. Picture: James MackenzieJackson Murtagh and James Madden. Picture: James Mackenzie
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