Eagles looking to cash in on their Cup tie

Eagles, the reigning Scottish champions, have never been beyond this stage and coach Angus McNab said: “There is 2000 at stake for reaching the third round and that would go a long way to covering our costs for this season.

“In addition, the next round could see us drawn against a side from just outwith Super League and we’d split gate receipts 50-50.”

But McNab is looking no further than tomorrow’s opponents whom he expects to play a physical brand of rugby league.

“We were not at our best in winning our previous tie at Gloucester University so there is scope for improvement even if we were glad to progress.

“In our favour is the fact that our opponents have a bit of travelling to do of the type that has drained us in the past.

“Also, we are bolstered by the presence of a couple of players who couldn’t make the journey south to the English west country last time.

“Loose forward Olly Foster was outstanding when we won the Scottish title in drawing on experience of playing at a decent level in both Yorkshire and Cumbria while the experienced Barry Earls is also back in the fold.”

McNab is also keeping fingers crossed that rugby union players, including Currie’s John Cox and Watsonians’ Seb Trotter, come through matches in the lead up to the tie.

Meanwhile, chairman Ashley Carroll, who also stars for the side, is in no doubt about the significance of the clash.

“This is probably the biggest match in our history. We got to the second round last year but having a home draw is a massive bonus.

“Hopefully we can get a decent crowd down to Meggetland, and if our preparation is good and we believe in our ability and talent then I think we can win.”

Admission to tomorrow’s game at Meggetland is 3 for adults and 1 for students while under-16s get in free and all Boroughmuir members showing memberships at the gate are also given free entry.