On Saturday the 24th of July, Carluke Tigers travelled to Union Park, home of Edinburgh Eagles, in the play-offs seeking revenge for their only defeat of the season so far. The prize at stake was the direct route to the Scottish Grand Final, and both the Tigers and current champions Eagles were eager to get there. Both teams were in good form entering this match, the Tigers having recorded and impressive 46-16 away win over Fife Lions, and the Eagles having several players involved in the recent excellent Scotland A win in Ireland.

The game was played at the ususal ferocity expected when these two teams meet, with plenty of big hits going in and defences ruling for the opening period. Both teams started well completing their sets, and it was after a good set in the Tigers 20 that Seb Trotter opened the scoring for Edinburgh with a try on the right hand side, who also added the extras. Carluke hit back immediately though, with David Simm and Nick McAuley barreling their way over the line for a score each, one of which converted by Lane.

The score was further increased in the Tigers favour as on the last an expertly weighted cross field kick was delivered by Phil Lane, the ball was tapped back in mid air by Bengy Barsanti and caught by the supporting Chris Howieson who dotted down for a wonderful score.

The Tigers also made two searing breaks through the Eagles defence, one from Prop McAuley and another from Aussie Lock Deviney, but on both occasions were unable to capitalize and get the score. Edinburgh pulled another try back before half time, however, when a good move saw an overlap formed with Mark Robertson going over in the corner.

Half Time - Carluke Tigers 14 Edinburgh Eagles 10

The second half started with Edinburgh taking the lead, when after a period of pressure Ross Grady sneaked over following a scoot from acting half back. Trotter again added the extras, putting Edinburgh into a narrow 2 point lead. This was not to last however, as the Tigers took the game to the hosts and added a further 2 scores, one of which converted by Lane. The Eagles continued to try and get a score to bring them back into the game but some big hits in defence from Jamie McAulay in particular made sure no further breech of the Tigers defence would be made, and the win was secured.

Full Time - Carluke Tigers 24 Edinburgh Eagles 16

In the 3 v 4 play-off, Moray Eels defeated Ayrshire Storm 40-4. The Tigers now await the result of the Final Eliminator between Edinburgh Eagles and Moray Eels this Saturday to see who they will face in the Grand Final on August the 7th. The loser of the Final Eliminator will face Ayrshire Storm in the Shield Final which will be the curtain raiser for the Grand Final.

Carluke Tigers; L. Matheson, C. Howieson, M.Hart, K. Matheson, Jamie McAulay, C. McGlame, P. Lane, M. Martin, R. Bryan, N. McAuley, B. Karalus, D. Simm, J. Deviney.
Subs; S. Wilson, D. McCartney, A. Mackay, B. Whitehead, L. McWhinnie, B. Barsanti.

Edinburgh Eagles N. Broere, M. Robertson, S. Henderson, C. Scoullar, C. Borthwick, J. MacDoanld, S. Trotter, A. Carroll, G. Lomax, M. Wallace, N. Parkinson, C. Cockburn, R. Grady.
Subs; D. Flynn, B. Buchanan, C. Gilbert, R. MacKenzie, J. Cox.