STIRLING were in with a chance of winning the Super6 Sprint Series earlier this year right up until the final play of the final game, so it is somewhat surprising to see them at the bottom of the Championship table after losing their opening two games - especially as both were at home.

However, a benign fixture list has given the Wolves a third consecutive match at Bridgehaugh this evening, and they will be favourites to claim their first victory of the new campaign against the Southern Knights, the only other team who lost their opening two games. 

“With both sides struggling for form, the start of the match is going to be crucial,” home coach Ben Cairns said. “The side who builds momentum and can get on top early will put themselves in a good position to take the win, while a poor start could be the final blow to two teams struggling for confidence.

“We are going through a tough patch not helped by injuries and unavailability. This has made consistency very hard to come by, and whilst some of these factors are outwith our control, we have spent the week identifying the key areas within our control that will make the biggest difference to our game.”

After seeing his team also lose twice at home, Knights coach Bryce Ruthven knows they will need to dig deep if they are to get a result on the road.  “We will have to be more accurate this week if we are going to be competitive for the full 80 minutes,” he said. 

“Stirling have shown that they have the players to dismantle any defence, are well organised and have a strong work ethic. So we’re expecting a really tough and close encounter.”

Round three is completed tomorrow, when leaders Watsonians are at Heriot’s, and Boroughmuir Bears, the only other team with two wins, visit Ayrshire Bulls.