Laird wants Wolves to make final play-off push

Published on Saturday 17 July 2004 12:06

AFTER a bye week, Edinburgh Wolves are back into their gridiron campaign with a bang as they travel west for the first part of a double-header against Glasgow.

The Wolves travel to Cambuslang Rugby Ground for the first time this season tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm) before returning a week later, on July 25, for a game that could be decisive in determining the make-up of the division’s play-offs.

With three games left for each side, a win is vital for the Wolves. "The winner of this two-game series will go to the play-offs - we want it to be us," said coach Pete Laird.

The Scottish Claymores are making an appearance of sorts with both sides lining up a 2004 Claymore player.

The Wolves will have tight end Jeff Nicolson available for just the second time this season. While he has been a national player with the Claymores for the past two seasons he began his gridiron career in Edinburgh with the Wolves.

Glasgow meanwhile, will have Claymores veteran Scott Couper available to play and coach. Couper, 34, announced his retirement from the professional game at the end of the 2004 season.

Three weeks ago, Edinburgh returned from a gruelling double header with trips to East Midlands and Merseyside. Two wins from those days on the road put the Wolves in prime position to make a playoff run.

"It’s great to get back to 0.500 for the season. We have to maintain that run with two tough battles with Glasgow. Their play has improved recently with a win over league leaders Dundee and they will be tough to beat on their own field," said Laird.

The last time these two teams met, on June 6, the game ended as a 22-22 tie with Wolves scoring 14 points in the final four minutes to keep the division even.