IT IS nearly 10 months since Ayrshire Bulls became the inaugural Super6 champions, but, as they prepare to begin the defence of their title, they are still very much the team to be shot at, according to Bobby Beattie.
And the centre is convinced that his team will have to fight every inch of the way if they are to hold on to their title, beginning tonight when Heriot’s visit Millbrae. “We’ve got a target on our backs,” Beattie said. “We’re really going to have to be on our game, because everyone will be coming after us and want that Super6 title off us.”
Heriot’s dispensed with the services of head coach Andy Kelly just days before the end of the Super6 Sprint Series back in June, eventually confirming that Fin Gillies and Stuart Edwards, Kelly’s assistants, would be jointly promoted to the top job.
The new bosses have had little time in which to make changes in the wake of a disappointing Sprint campaign, but Gillies is confident they are heading in the right direction.
“As short and quick as pre-season was, we’ve been able to get some changes in place, and hopefully that will translate to the pitch,” he said.
“Heriot’s have always been a very successful club – and that hasn’t necessarily translated to Super6. It’s a big responsibility, but one that we all share.”
The first round of fixtures continues tomorrow when Stirling Wolves are at home to Boroughmuir Bears and the Southern Knights welcome Sprint Series winners Watsonians to the Greenyards.
All Super6 matches will be shown live on either the BBC, FreeSports or the Scottish Rugby website.
