Players raring to go for cross-codes clash
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
NEW Scotland boss Ronald Ross hopes to instill a winning mentality tomorrow as he leads his Scotland team out at the Bught Park in the first of a double-header against the Irish hurlers.
Since the rule change in 2010 that brought about the current home and away format, the Scots have been on the losing side despite coming agonisingly close on a couple of occasions.
But Ross is undaunted and believes his players are hungry to restore national pride as they seek their first series victory in the Marine Harvest-sponsored event.
Ross has introduced a number of new caps and hopes a refreshing blend of youthful energy and trusted experience can rejuvenate performance at the elite level, with Ireland having the better of recent cross-code exchanges.
Ross said: "What I hope we have is a fresh, youthful and hungry team. Everyone has something to prove and that is vitally important. Results have not gone our way in recent times and we know the size of the task ahead, with Ireland being very strong."
It is a sentiment echoed by Lovat striker Kevin Bartlett, who gains his fourth senior cap tomorrow. Bartlett, who has yet to savour victory in his Scotland career, genuinely feels the squad have been animated by the changes from last year.
"We are raring to go and I can’t wait to get started. It is a huge honour to play for your country and that is something I will ever lose sight of," he said.
And Bartlett is tipping his Lovat teammate Lorne MacKay to make an impact as he is introduced to the cross code event for the first time at senior level.
"I am pretty sure Lorne has the style to upset the Irish, who like to play the ball in the air," he said. "He is quick, has a low centre of gravity and likes to play the ball on the ground where the Irish are not so strong. When Drew (MacNeil) was in charge that was something he tried to get us to focus on."
His clubmate and fellow MacTavish Cup winner Stuart MacDonald believes the side could not have been better prepared for the contest.
"Even in our training match last weekend everyone was looking sharp and confident. With the squad we have, I think we can do well," he said.
"There are a few faces that haven’t been involved for a couple of years but there are also some really young and fit players. I think the mix will be a big bonus for us and with the squad we have I am confident. It’s great to be involved again and an honour to play for your country."
Ross has handed international debuts to three players — Steven Morrison (Skye),Calum Millar (Kyles) and Lorne MacKay (Lovat) but remains tight-lipped about his starting 14. Even the players are unlikely to find that out until this evening.
The cross code rules involve a fairly arcane scoring system which was reviewed to accommodate the home and away format. A shot into the net is awarded three points, a free or sideline hit gleans two points and one point is given for a shot over the bar of the rugby-style goals.
But the series is decided over the two legs with two points for a win, one point for a draw and a bonus point awarded for two or more goals scored.
