Opposing coaches too busy for banter

THERE was a strange dynamic going on in the Scotland Under-20 training camp this week, with coaches Peter Wright and Simon Cross trying to present a united front to the players ahead of yesterday's trial match, but all the while plotting the downfall of each other's club sides in this afternoon's Premier Cup Pool F match.

Glasgow Hawks coach Wright is a famously outspoken character, and is not averse to partaking in the ancient art of psychological warfare - but the rather more phlegmatic Cross says that his friend and rival has been "very straight forward" about the prospects of Edinburgh Accies causing an upset at Old Anniesland this afternoon.

"I know you won't believe me, but there has been hardly any banter," he insisted, rather unconvincingly. "It has been a really hectic week working with the boys in the squad - we've hardly had any time for anything else."

Wright's reticence may have something to do with a gnawing concern that the two-month lay-off which both sides have endured since last taking to the field in November could have a leveling effect. On paper, Hawks start as strong favorites, having set the pace in Premier One for much of this season, during which time they have claimed the scalp of 2009 champions Ayr, and drawn with last season's top dogs Currie. Edinburgh Accies, by contrast were relegated from the top flight last year, and although they finished the first half of the season at the summit of Premier Two, they suffered a serious setback to their hopes of promotion when they lost heavily at Stirling County in their last outing. "It's a strange one because you don't want to give too much away - but rugby guys being rugby guys, they can't help but talk about how good their teams are," said Wright. "It's been a long time without rugby, so we're just hoping that the game goes ahead.

"I expect it to be a lot like a pre- season match with a lot of mistakes. I don't think us being in Premier One and them being in Premier Two will be a factor. They have got a lot of guys in their squad, like Dan Teague and Iain Berthinussen, who have plenty of experience of playing at the top level, so they won't be fazed by us. Whoever wants it most will win it."

Cross said he is looking forward to seeing how his players cope with taking on "arguably best club side in Scotland".He said: "We're still very hopeful that we will go up this year, and it is no secret that there is a big gap between Premier One and Premier Two, so I'll be interested to see how the guys cope with Hawks. We'll know a lot more about this squad by Saturday evening.

"The lay-off has been a nuisance, but the players have been absolutely fantastic in maintaining their focus.We haven't missed a training session, and have done a lot of outdoor work on the beach at Portobello, where the frost hasn't been quite so severe. It's been about thinking outside the box and working hard on keeping everything sharp. I'm pretty confident that we have done that - but we won't know until we play the game."

There will be a pitch inspection at Old Anniesland at 9.30am this morning to determine whether the game can go ahead.