On a fine summers afternoon in Glasgow, Carluke Tigers faced Edinburgh Eagles in the 2010 Scotland Rugby League Grand Final. This was a re-match of last seasons final where the Tigers cruelly lost in extra time. That was not to be the case this year, however, as revenge was taken and in only their third year as a club Carluke Tigers were crowned Scottish Champions after a 14 - 10 victory in a match which lived up to the pre-match expectations by being an epic battle.

The first 25 minutes of the first half was a stalemate with both teams completing sets with very few errors, and stern defence was the winner with both teams suffering injuries - inspirational Phil Lane and flying winger Chris Howieson were both forced to retire for the Tigers, along with Richard Knight being forced to withdraw for the Eagles.

The main features of this opening period were the four props on show - Captain Martin and McAuley for the Tigers, Carroll and Wallace for the Eagles - smashing the ball up and tackling relentlessly to try and gain the upper hand in the forward battle. Simm and Karalus were also worth very notable mention in the ball carrying and tackling stakes, with seasoned campaigner Melvin Hart and huge hitting Jamie McAulay holding things together anytime the Eagles attacked the Tigers out wide.

After the unfortunate withdrawal of Howieson after a high tackle, the Tigers, motivated by the loss of a team mate, pounded the Edinburgh line and opened the scoring after Lewis Matheson scored in the corner after out pacing the Edinburgh defence. The Tigers nearly scored again after giant second rower Duncan McCartney smashed through the defence and went on a 50 meter run, but he was hauled down just short of the line. The Tigers then also lost lock Johno Deviney who had made some telling half breaks to a hamstring injury, but with a strong interchange bench powerful Sandy Urquhart came on to continue the forward momentum.

Carluke's second score was definitely the try of the day. Kyle Matheson picked up the ball in his own half and went on what can only be described as a mesmeric run, handing off three players before showing excellent pace to beat a further two defenders and pass back inside to the supporting Jamie McAulay who then side stepped the Edinburgh fullback to score between the posts, Ross Bryan adding the conversion. The Tigers then lost Bart Karalus to the sin bin for ten minutes just before half time, but hard working defence meant Edinburgh could not make use of the one man advantage.

Half Time: Carluke Tigers 10, Edinburgh Eagles 0

The second half kicked off with Edinburgh coming out all guns blazing and they had the majority of possession and play in the first twenty minutes of the half as they desperately battled to get back into the game, and managed to sneak a try through their captain Giles Lomax, with Gregor Porteous adding the conversion.

The Tigers hit back almost immediately, however, as after a quick scoot from the play the ball from Blake Whitehead, stand off Chad McGlame slipped a tackle and offloaded to the supporting runner Ross Bryan who scored the try to re-establish the Tigers leading margin. The Tigers also came within inches of adding a further score as winger Scott Wilson wrong footed the defence but unfortunately under the attention of two tacklers was forced into touch as he grounded the ball in the corner for what would have been a fantastic score.

Edinburgh were not done yet, however, and after the Tigers conceded three penalties in quick succession, Edinburgh scored through prop forward Mike Wallace to take them to within four points with fifteen minutes remaining. Understandably both teams were now tiring and Edinburgh made a final push, but the Tigers rear guard held out impressively and also made good use of their possession to keep Edinburgh pinned in their own half and played out the remainder of the match to seal a famous victory!

Full Time: Carluke Tigers 14, Edinburgh Eagles 10

A fantastic end to a fantastic season, well done to all involved! But with victory the season is now extended, and next up the Tigers will face the winners of the North East of England league in the Rugby League Conference National Playoffs Quarter Final. The North East Grand Final will be contested this weekend between Peterlee Pumas and Jarrow Vikings, everyone at the Tigers will have one eye on this tie to see who our opponents will be!

The Tigers have also now sealed their spot in the first round draw of the 2011 Carnegie Challenge Cup, in Rugby Leagues most famous cup competition which in later rounds contains all the big name full time professional English Super League clubs. Very exciting times lie ahead.

Carluke Tigers: Lewis Matheson, Melvin Hart, Chris Howieson, Jamie McAulay, Kyle Matheson, Chad McGlame, Phil Lane, Morgan Martin, Ross Bryan, Nick McAuley, Bart Karalus, David Simm, Johno Deviney.
Subs: Sandy Urquhart, Blake Whitehead, Duncan McCartney, Scott Wilson, Frazer McKenzie, Alan Lynch, Steven Paton.