Cartha Queens Park v Watsonian FC – Dumbreck, KO 1pm

Our first game of the weekend sees Cartha Queens Park host league leaders, Watsonian FC, at Dumbreck.

Watsonians maintained their unbeaten run last weekend, defeating County 39-21 at home. Scores from Freya Walker, Rachel Philipps, Ailie Tucker, Ami Conchie, Sarah Donnelly and Charlotte Runcie (2), sealed both a win and a try-bonus point for the Edinburgh side.

For Cartha, last weekend ended in disappointment after being defeated to Heriot’s Blues 17-41. The Glasgow side will be ready to go again this weekend and take the challenge head on.

Heriot’s Blues v Garioch – Goldenacre, KO 1.30pm

After Storm Babet interfered with last weekend’s fixture for Garioch, the Aberdeenshire based team are back in action this weekend as they travel to the capital to face Heriot’s Blues.

In their previous meeting, Garioch were defeated 7-80. Since then, the team have made marked improvements and will be eager to showcase that on the pitch.

Heriot’s will equally be keen to get back on a roll after a strong 17-41 victory over Cartha last weekend. The Edinburgh side scored an impressive seven tries through seven individuals – Annabel Sergeant, Alison Wilson, Matilde Dadie, Mary McNee, Tabitha Brough, Charlotte Harrison and Morgan Nellie – showcasing the depth within their team.

Looking ahead to this weekend, Craig Robertson, Head Coach, Heriot’s Blues Women said: “The fixture this weekend against Garioch marks, a significant accomplishment for Alison Wilson and Pearl Kellie both of whom attain their 50th appearance playing for the Blues Women.

“Both Allison and Pearl exemplify the dedication and commitment within the squad and given the competitive nature within our set up, 50 appearances is a hugely significant milestone. The Club, squad and coaches thank them both for their work ethic and continued involvement at Heriot’s.

“Following on from last week’s match against Cartha, we hope that we can continue to build in a positive way. We have had a great week in training and are looking forward to the fixture and hope for a successful outcome.”

Stewartry Sirens v Corstorphine Cougars – Greenlaw, KO 2pm

Stewartry Sirens will get back out on the pitch tomorrow after Storm Babet sidelined them last Saturday, as they welcome Corstorphine Cougars to Greenlaw.

Sirens Coach, Ali Lamb said: “Coming off a by-week caused by Storm Babet, the Sirens are looking forward to testing themselves and gauge their growth at home against Cougars; a team that held them scoreless in the front half of the season.”

Whilst the Sirens look to test the abilities of their current squad, Cougars are looking to use this weekend as a chance to test some new faces in the Premiership, progressing players from their 2XV.

Speaking to scottishrugby.org on his selection, Cougars Head Coach Eric Jones said: “We’ll be looking to pick ourselves up after a tough last minute loss last week. We’re bringing in some young players this week to rest some players that have played a lot of minutes this season, whilst also keeping a lot of experience on the pitch to help the debuts through their game.

“We’re looking at Rebekah Douglas starting at scrum half. Bekah has been close to the 1XV squad on a number of occasions, but through age grade commitments or injury she’s not been able to feature, so it will be exciting to see her test herself a Premiership level.

“We’re also seeing Niamh Woodhouse starting in the pack. Niamh has been on a steep learning curve, again it’ll be good to see her at this level.

“Faye Sutherland will be starting at Inside Centre for us. Faye has impressed at 2XV level scoring three tries in two games and deserved a run out at 1XV level to see where she’s at in that environment.

“Those younger players will still have the likes of Tanya Giffith, Lucy Kid, Alex Stewart, Merryn Gunderson and Adelle Ferrie around about them, as well as Kiyomi Honjigawa captaining the side this weekend in what we know will be a tough game.

“Stewartry is always a tough place to go to and we’ll be made to work if we’re to get a win.”

Stirling County v Hillhead Jordanhill – Bridgehaugh, KO 2pm

Stirling County look to bounce back from their defeat against Watsonians last weekend as they welcome Hillhead Jordanhill to Bridgehaugh on Saturday.

Despite a spirited performance, including tries from Jodie Murdoch and Ceitidh Ainsworth (2), County couldn’t quite match Watsonians performance last weekend.

Reflecting on the result, County’s Head Coach, Mark Ainsworth said: “The team were disappointed with their performance last week and were beaten by an extremely well coached Watsonians team.

“Thankfully we have had little time to dwell on our defeat and we have an opportunity to bounce back against a Hills team, who will come to Bridgehaugh full of confidence.”

For Hills on the other hand, they once again pulled out all the stops to narrowly scoop a with from Cougars. A penalty scored by Emma Barlow was the deciding factor in the equally matched encounter, as Hills edged the win by just one point.

Based on Round 2, where County took the win 31-34, this weekend should be another close game between County and Hills.

Hills Debbie Lee steps in as Captain in Hannah Telling’s absence this weekend. Speaking to scottishrugby.org, Debbie said: “Our last game against Stirling was a super competitive match and we narrowly lost by only three points so we’re looking forward to another good match.

“Our win against Cougars last weekend showed us that if we work hard for 80 minutes and never give up then we can get the result we’re looking for.”