We chat to Claire Bain…

In a season where a lot of new - and younger - faces have popped up in the Women’s XV squad, experienced campaigners like Sarah Jones and Claire Bain have been so important.

The former, 38, has been leading by example in the second-row while former Scotland international Claire, 31, has been organising the backline and pulling the strings from stand-off.

The new-look squad built up nicely in the second half of the regular Tennent’s Premiership season to clinch top spot before Christmas and then put in a very assured display to defeat Stirling County 39-0 in the play-off semi-finals at Myreside on January 15.

That result means fit again skipper Alice King and her charges are at home again in the final this Saturday against Hillhead/Jordanhill at 1.30pm.

It is a repeat of the December 2019 final which Claire - who works in IT for Scottish Rugby - was involved in.

And with ‘Sonians looking to retain the silverware two and a bit years later, the player who first took to rugby at Howe of Fife and then Morgan said: “Everyone is really looking forward to the final.

“The squad has had a few new faces in it this season and it took us a few games to gel, but after a tough loss away to Stirling County we have all come together and really battled hard for results.

“Continuity in selection has meant that we have managed to play some good stuff in the last few games and going into the Christmas break everyone was feeling in confident mood.

“We kept that positivity going against Stirling County earlier this month and I must pay credit to the new faces who have really made an impact.

“There are so many throughout the group, but centres Briar McNamara and Susie Clements outside me at 10 have made my job a whole lot easier.

“And at nine it was great to have Rachel Law back from injury against County and, along with Hannah Davisson, we have two very good scrum-halves available to us.

“As a backline we have started to click in the last couple of months and, in recent weeks, having Gordon Lyon helping out head coach Freddie Main with the backs has been good.

“As a 10 he has challenged me to take my game up a notch and also be a leader out there on the pitch and that is what I will try to do this weekend.

“We know that Hills are a good side and we have had some good battles with them in recent times, but with a strong home support hopefully we can come out on top.”

Words by Gary Heatly

Thanks to Graham Gaw for the photo, more here