Perthshire rugby captain Mat Rae expects Greenock Wanderers to be a “different team” compared to earlier in the season.
The Eagles got the better of them in September when a 43-22 triumph at the North Inch provided welcomed points in the opening stages of the National League 3 campaign.
But Shire skipper Rae imagines the Wanderers, who sit one place worse off in the current league standings, will offer up a far greater challenge on their own patch.
He said: “Greenock are a different team at Fort Matilda than on the road. We had a decent win against them at the North Inch in September, but there has been a lot of rugby played since then.
“We are taking nothing for granted. We want to play a positive fast game, but conditions may not allow that.
“Our focus will be on the small wins in each phase and building momentum, then scores from there.”
Shire have not had a competitive game since the long trek north to face Orkney at the beginning of December.
Wintry conditions – including snow and freezing temperatures – resulted in a number of postponements in the run-up to Christmas.
Despite the lack of action, Rae and his team-mates made sure to keep themselves ticking over.
He explained: “We had planned sessions over the festive period which we did indoors, and where we didn’t we asked individuals to train themselves and report in.
“The postponements have been very frustrating but it’s what happens over winter in Scotland.
“However, it’s given us time as a squad to regain some fitness and rehab injuries so we’ll be fitter for the second half of the season.”
Shire sit 10th in the table – only ahead of Greenock and Royal High – but have aspirations of climbing back into the middle section of the standings.
Rae is focusing on the here and now in order to build a platform for a positive run of form to begin the year.
He explained: “Our main goals will be to focus on small victories during the game and keep a good pace throughout the 80 minutes. A good fast start to the second half of the season is important.”
