League Tables Taking Shape as Teams Battle for Position

Watsonians made a flying start, with Max Garry and Fin Mather both crossing inside the opening 10 minutes to put the hosts 14-0 ahead. Heriot’s responded strongly, with Ali Johnstone, Isaac Coates and Aidan Boyle all finding the try line as the visitors turned the game around to lead 21-14. Watsonians reduced the deficit before half-time through Hamish Mather, leaving the sides level at 21-21 at the break. 

The second half continued in the same end-to-end fashion, with Fin Mather adding his second try of the afternoon to put Watsonians back in front. Heriot’s replacement Mikey Jones quickly responded, before Brodie Young restored the hosts’ advantage. Callum Jessop then crossed in the corner for Heriot’s, with Coates adding the conversion to level the scores at 35-35. 

With the game finely poised again, Watsonians regained the lead through outside centre Gus Godwin, who powered over following a well-worked attack from a lineout. Bruce Weatherhead added the conversion to give the hosts some breathing room at 42-35. 

Heriot’s pushed hard for a late equaliser and worked their way into the Watsonians 22, but the hosts stood firm in the closing stages to secure the victory. 

Elsewhere in the capital, Melrose Rugby travelled to Raeburn Place to face Edinburgh Accies. Melrose came into the match with just one defeat this season, against Currie Chieftains, while Edinburgh Accies had endured a tougher campaign, with their only victory coming against Glasgow Hawks. 

Edinburgh Accies opened the scoring, crossing for the first two tries of the match. However, around the half-hour mark, Melrose responded with their first try and began to build momentum. The visitors continued to grow into the game and extend their lead, despite a determined effort from the hosts. Melrose eventually secured a 31-26 victory, making it the fifth time in six matches that one of their games has been decided by five points or fewer. 

After suffering their first defeat of the season, Ayr returned to winning ways at Millbrae against GHA RFC. Ayr started strongly and despite GHA producing plenty of good rugby in the second-half, Ayr remained in control to run out 55-28 winners. 

Glasgow Hawks travelled to Poynder Park in search of their first win of the season, knowing that Kelso RFC would provide a tough challenge on home soil. Kelso dominated the opening minutes and the closing stages, but Hawks remained firmly in contention for much of the match. 

With five minutes remaining, Hawks led 17-14 after Kelso were punished for a combination of handling errors, lineout issues and costly decisions. However, Kelso showed exactly why Poynder Park is such a difficult place to visit, scoring two tries in the final five minutes to turn the game around and secure a 28-17 victory. 

The Currie Chieftains fixture against Hawick RFC, which was scheduled to take place this past weekend, has been postponed until 20 February 2027 at the clubs’ request following the passing of Ally Donaldson. 

Round six of the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership has further intensified the competition. Melrose’s victory over Edinburgh Accies moves them to the top of the table, with just one point separating them from second-placed Ayr RFC. Currie, who have a game in hand and Heriot’s sit third and fourth respectively, currently occupying the play-off positions. 

In mid-table, Kelso and Watsonians will be looking to push for a place in the play-offs, while Edinburgh Accies and Glasgow Hawks will be battling to avoid the threat of relegation. 

With the season not yet halfway through, there is still plenty of rugby to be played and the table can change quickly. With so little separating the teams, the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons in years. 

Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership 

The Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership returned from its scheduled break last weekend, with Round Four getting underway across the competition. 

Undefeated Biggar RFC welcomed Hillhead Jordanhill to Biggar for a closely contested encounter. Biggar suffered their first defeat of the season as Hillhead Jordanhill secured a 46-36 victory. Despite the result, both sides claimed a try bonus point, which could prove crucial as the season progresses towards its business end. 

Like their male counterparts, Heriot’s Rugby Women and Watsonian FC met in the city, with their fixture taking place at Goldenacre. Watsonians produced a dominant performance, running in nine tries to secure a convincing 63-24 victory over the hosts. 

Stirling County faced Corstorphine RFC, who were still searching for their first win of the season. However, it was not to be for Corstorphine, as the defending champions secured an emphatic 87-12 victory. 

Cartha Queen’s Park RFC and Garioch RFC played their fourth-round fixture last weekend at the request of both clubs. In a closely fought encounter, Garioch edged to a narrow 35-34 victory. 

Following Round Four, Stirling County and Hillhead Jordanhill sit joint-top of the table on 20 points. Watsonians, Biggar and Heriot’s occupy the middle of the table, while Garioch, Cartha Queen’s Park and Corstorphine will be looking to climb away from the bottom spots as the season continues. 

Boys’ U18 Open Competition 

The final round of pool fixtures in the Boys’ U18 Open Competition gave teams one last opportunity to secure their place in the semi-finals. 

In Pool A, Merchiston Castle School recorded a convincing victory over Dollar Academy. Edinburgh Academy suffered their second defeat of the competition, losing 35-12 to George Watson’s College. The result secured George Watson’s College second place in Pool A, behind Merchiston Castle School. 

In Pool B, Erskine Stewart Melville hosted Strathallan School at Inverleith. The hosts came out on top, recording a 35-22 victory over their rivals. 

The final fixture in Pool B takes place tonight, with Strathallan School facing Glenalmond College. Glenalmond currently sit second on 19 points, while Strathallan are third on 16 points. 

With just three points separating the sides, tonight’s fixture could have a significant impact on the final Pool B standings.