Porty's rise from the ashes to Murrayfield

Published on Wednesday 30 April 2008 10:15

THE indomitable spirit of Portobello Rugby Club has again been in evidence this week as the Cavalry Park outfit bid to maximise the support they will have at Murrayfield on Saturday for their Scottish Hydro Electric Plate final against Aberdeen University.

Already this season, the club has had to bounce back from the trauma of seeing its clubhouse destroyed in a fire.

Now the same individuals who worked tirelessly to ensure they were not beaten by the vandals are grafting to sell tickets in the hope that they may have as many as 1000 supporters backing them against the students.

In addition to their own members, Porty committee men have called on the local community to boost ticket sales.

Club secretary Barry Sinclair explained the process saying: "We went from one end of Portobello High Street to the other and asked every shop if they would sell tickets for us. There is a good feeling and there has been a lot of interest so far. The shops have been 100 per cent supportive."

In addition, members have been selling tickets to friends and neighbours and the club used last Sunday's mini rugby tournament to promote the final and choose a mascot to be with the players on the day.

While the club were delighted to boost the numbers for the final, there was particular satisfaction for nine-year-old Craigentinny Primary School pupil Alexander Ferguson, a member of Portobello minis, whose name was drawn and he is now looking forward to a big day out at Murrayfield.

While it is impossible to tell how many of their 3000 tickets have been bought, Sinclair is confident that Portobello will get finals day off to a great start.

"We don't expect to sell the full allocation but, if we can get into the high hundreds, we believe we will have done as well as we can."

With clubs retaining all of the proceeds from ticket sales, the additional funds will come as a welcome boost to Porty coffers.

However, while vociferous backing will be welcome, it is the performance that is the focus of attention for coach Eddie Henderson and his players.

And, Sinclair believes that the mix of youth and experience should be enough to see Porty lift the silverware, although nothing is being taken for granted. However, with both sides committed to expansive rugby, one thing he is confident of is that all supporters who buy a ticket to see the East Region League Division One side get the day's action underway (kick-off 10.30am) will be served up an entertaining encounter.

"We expect it to be a cracking game against Aberdeen University," he said. "I was involved with the Scottish Universities until last year so I know some of the guys and I think they will be pretty useful."

Meanwhile, Preston Lodge president George Patterson believes the presence of several men with previous Murrayfield experience can give the Pennypit players the edge in their Scottish Hydro Electric Bowl showdown with Dalziel (kick-off 12.15pm).

The National League Division One team's squad includes a handful of survivors from the last visit in 2003, when PL lost 27-13 against Dundee High in the BT Shield final. This time around, they will face familiar foes in the former of Dalziel, with each side having one win apiece from their league encounters this season.

PL have organised four buses from their club and also hope to have the support of many more who will travel independently.

"We have taken 350 tickets and there is a bit of a buzz around the rugby club," said Patterson. "Prestonpans is still a football town but we do know of some people who have no connection with rugby who are planning to go."

The club's desire for a return to finals day was underlined when they travelled north the day before their semi-final with Caithness.

The investment in a an overnight stay paid off with a 16-3 win that booked their slot for Saturday's game.

Now only 80 minutes from glory, Patterson believes the two outfits will serve up an entertaining encounter.

"They are a bit like ourselves, they are desperate to get back into the Premiership. It's 1-1 so far this season and it's going to come down to whoever turns up on the day. These finals tend to be quite close so hopefully it will be a good game."

And, pointing out why he believes the East Lothian outfit will have an advantage over their rivals on Saturday, he added: "The boys who have played at Murrayfield before are now our more experienced players. I'm sure they won't be overawed by the occasion."