Stirling County women prepare for season bow in bid to regain Premiership crown
It's the start of a busy period in the rugby calendar as leagues get underway across the country ... with Stirling County's women first to take to the pitch for their Premiership opener tomorrow.
The County women will be hoping to go one better this time around after being pipped in the final of last season's competition in a tight contest against Corstorphine Cougars.
They kick off tomorrow with a difficult opening trip to Myreside, facing up to last season's third-placed outfit in Watsonians before opening their home matches against Garioch on August 31.
A clash with defending champions Corstorphine then looms a week later in the capital.
Head coach Mark Ainsworth has been busy with his side during a punishing pre-season, which culminated with a final intra-squad match at Bridgehaugh after original opponents Heriot's were forced to pull out of the match.
Despite that blow, Ainsworth insists his side got some strong preparation in the bag for the Watsonians test on opening day.
He told the club's social media channel: 'It was a tough game in tough conditions but it was really pleasing to see the quality on show out there.
'I was pleased as well with the physicality and some of the things we've been working on popped up and seem to be working so that's a real positive for us.
'Pre-season started a long time ago, we did a fitness block back in June and then we went into the pitch work from July so it's coming nicely in terms of the start of the season.
'I've had great input from [director of rugby] Ted Pollock in terms of the forwards and the backs are looking sharp this year.
'It's the first game of the season away from home against one of the best teams in the league so it's going to be tough for us, you're never totally sure how the team is looking until you play the first competitive game.
'But I'm hopeful for it with what we've shown so far and we're all looking forward to it.'
The women's first XV will be led by skipper Jodie Murdoch, who is celebrating her 11th year at County and will be a key player in directing traffic from the scrum-half spot.
She added: 'We're really excited to get the season underway.
'There's a great energy around the squad, with a strong leadership group in place and some exciting new faces joining us this year.
'Everyone's been working hard in pre-season and we're looking forward to building momentum, challenging ourselves and seeing what we can achieve together.'
Murdoch is joined by four vice-captains in the squad, all of whom have boasted international experience with Scotland's youth sides in recent seasons.
Back-rower Sam Taganekurukuru, second-rower player Holland Bogan and sisters Ceitidh and Ciorstaidh Ainsworth - who play at fly-half and centre respectively - round out the County group.
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