Will Alton has challenged Aberdeen Grammar to show they are a top four side by cementing their status with victory at Gala tomorrow.
Former Aberdeenshire captain Alton played his part in a 50-20 win at Falkirk last weekend with the victory taking his side up to fourth in National 1.
Gala was one of the clubs Aberdeen leapfrogged in their move up the table and 21-year-old openside flanker Alton wants his club to lay down a marker for the second half of the campaign tomorrow.
He said: “We’re in the top four now which was our aim at the start of the season and the challenge now is to try to stay there.
“This weekend is one of the crucial games as it’s against a direct rival but we’re looking to go there and impose ourselves on Gala.
“They are a very strong team. They are good up front, have strong playmakers among the backs and are always tough opponents on their own patch.
“We know they have the players who can cause us problems but want to go there and stop them playing. The best way to do that is by forcing them to play the way we want the game to go. We want to be the team dictating the game.”
The 30 point victory at Horne Park last weekend was achieved on the back of a strong first half display and Alton believes a full 80 minute display is required if his side is to win tomorrow.
He said: “It was good not only to get the win but the full five points after the international break.
“We were aware of the need to come out strongly after a month break and it was pleasing to score 50 points.
“We have to build on that now by producing our first half display at Falkirk for a full 80 minutes when we go to Gala on Saturday.”
Victory for Grammar would give them a seventh win in eight games and Alton insists there is no secret to the club’s recent resurgence.
He said: “There was a big change in terms of personnel during the summer but we all know each other now and the relationships are showing on the pitch where it matters.
“We were perhaps playing as individuals at the start of the season but now we are one unit.”
