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The Aberdeen Grammar Rugby captain Craig Shepherd says that he is “extremely pleased” with the way the season has gone to date and he cannot wait to kick on when competitive games resume in the new year.
Last year, after a few tough campaigns and relegations, Grammar had a solid season in Arnold Clark National Three, finishing sixth with seven wins out of 16.
They have used that as a springboard to move forward in Justin Taljaard’s second season as head coach in 2025-26 to date and seven wins out of 10 has them currently sitting fourth in the 10-team National Three standings on 36 points. They are just six points behind leaders Preston Lodge with games in hand over all three teams above them.
Just one team will earn promotion, but Grammar have put themselves in the mix and Shepherd said: “We are extremely pleased with our season to date.
“The first team are perfectly positioned to hunt down the teams above us in the league and the second team have the opportunity to win Caledonia North Three without a loss (they are top with six wins from six so far).
“Because of this the buzz around the club is fantastic and we're almost saddened to put a pause on things for the festive period. However, the boys have more than earned this break and we are encouraging them to decompress and give their minds a break from rugby.
“Our best development by far this season has been our squad depth. This season we have seen great squad rotation and competition is tough for a first team jersey. This is due to the return of former players such as Alastair Fitzgerald, Robin Cessford, Josh Ferguson, and Glen Robertson, the addition of new players like Mikey Mair and Jack Sibbald and the promising development of young players like Luke Stewart and Elliot Mason.
“We will be raring to go again in January and looking to continue our winning wins. The message is clear, simply carry on and trust in the process that head coach Justin has put in place for us.”
Grammar return to action in the league at home to Orkney on January 10.
* A version of this article first appeared in The Press and Journal on Tuesday *