Ayrshire Bulls have the chance to go back to the top of the Super Series table when they take on Boroughmuir Bears at Millbrae, but head coach Pat MacArthur has warned his players that they will need a far better defensive performance if they are to do so.
The Bulls let in seven tries in their 49-36 defeat by Heriot’s last week, and when the Edinburgh club went on to beat Stirling Wolves on Wednesday night, that was enough to knock MacArthur’s side off their perch. Now, with just a couple of rounds of the regular season to go, the coach knows it is about time for his team to rediscover their best form.
“After a disappointing result last week we need to win the next two games to secure a home semi-final,” he said. “The players know they must step up a gear and can’t afford to make the same mistakes.
“We know that Boroughmuir Bears will bring a fast, expansive game. With players like Kaleem Barretto and Mason Cullen we’ll have to be switched on and ensure our defence is 100 per cent.”
The Bears can no longer make the play-offs, so as long as the Bulls do iron out those defensive defects, a solid home win is on the cards. The same can be said of Sunday’s match at Goldenacre, when Heriot’s welcome a Future XV who have yet to win a game. Watsonians and the Wolves meet at Myreside tomorrow, with the play-offs still in reach for both teams.
In tomorrow’s Premiership card, Kelso visit a Currie Chieftains side who will be out to close the gap on the top three after losing their last two outings. Champions Hawick are at home to Heriot’s Blues, leaders Marr visit bottom club Jed-Forest, Musselburgh are at home to Glasgow Hawks and Edinburgh Accies travel to Selkirk.
