Stirling Wolves may be the underdogs when they take on Ayrshire Bulls in this afternoon’s Super Series final, but they go into the showpiece occasion at Edinburgh’s Hive Stadium with morale on a high after their shock win over Heriot’s in last week’s semi-final.

The Wolves had just scraped into the play-offs in fourth and last place, while the club from the capital had finished top of the roster and were favourites to win the tournament. But a relentless display in defence and an ability to take their chances when they arose ensured that Stirling upset the odds, and they appear to be peaking at exactly the right time.

“The team has improved throughout the year, leading to some outstanding collective performances in the last few weeks on our run to the final,” Wolves coach Eddie Pollock said. “We beat a very good Heriot’s side last week, with a smart, physical, accurate and above all disciplined display, which demonstrated not only the quality of our play but also how the coaches have developed the players’ ability to adapt to a different game plan when required.

“Ayrshire Bulls are a very physical, direct team, and it will be extremely difficult to break them down throughout the 80 minutes. We will strive to produce our best performance of the season and I know the players will leave nothing out there.”

Bulls coach Pat MacArthur, meanwhile, believes that the experience of having got to this stage before will help his 2021 champions, who beat holders Watsonians in their semi-final. “We’re aware of the Wolves’ physicality and work at the breakdown, as seen in their match against Heriot’s,” he said. 

“Having played in two finals, the players know the importance of performing at our best. The players have tirelessly worked towards this moment, dedicating themselves in their training to improve key areas.”