This saturday sees the men’s semi’s (classic!) of the Scottish Hydro Premier Cup in which league leaders Currie travel south to face Melrose and Champions Ayr host cup holders Heriot’s. Both of these fixtures are interesting, to say the least. While it has been noted that the league’s trailblazers have been kept apart this does not necessarily mean that Currie and Ayr will play each other on the big pitch later this month.
Melrose – Currie
at The Greenyards (ko 3pm)
While ‘Rose have been struggling for form recently they have become cup specialists, winning two seasons ago and losing narrowly in last year’s final. They will also be welcoming back John Dalziel from Scotland 7s duty. Currie, on the other hand, will have a settled side and will want to maintain their impressive away form and hefty try tally. Melrose are capable of fireworks in the backline while Currie have a rapier as well as a broadsword. Look out for the axis between Scott Wight and James King from Melrose, and Ross Weston’s interplay with Richard Snedden for Currie.
Ayr – Heriot’s
at Millbrae (ko 3pm)
In the day’s other semi Ayr look to keep their frightful run of domestic wins at Millbrae going at the expense of the Cup’s other eternal finalists; Heriot’s. Both sides have come through the arduous British and Irish Cup, and while neither team progressed in that competition they will no doubt be different teams. Ayr are indeed looking to consolidate a season of bludgeoning efficiency. Last time these teams met the score was 37-21 to Ayr, but experience versus power could perhaps render this game a tough one to call. Keep your eyes peeled for a clash between Ayr’s Paul Burke and Andy Dunlop, and Heriot’s Chris Fusaro and Michael Maltman.
Premier 1
Meanwhile, the only Premier 1 game on this weekend is Hawks versus a Watsonians side desperate to stay in the division. They are fast running out of time, though, and will have to take their opportunity against a Hawks side playing without impressive 10 Duncan Weir and centre Gossman, who are both in Italy with the Scotland Under-19’s. One feels Watsons’ may regularly be forced to play out of their 22.
Kick-off will be at 3pm at Old Anniesland.
