Friday 21 October: Watsonians v Heriot’s Rugby

The Friday Night Lights will shine down on Myreside (kick-off 7.45pm) as Watsonians and Heriot’s battle it out to earn their place in next week’s final.

How to watch

All Friday games will be broadcasted live on free-to-watch channel FreeSports. FreeSports can be found on Sky HD channel 422, Virgin HD 553, TalkTalk 64, BT Vision channel 64, Samsung TV Plus and is also available on the FreeSports Player — www.freesportsplayer.tv. For those who live outside of the UK and Ireland, you can watch these games live on the Scottish Rugby website.

Be There

It’ll be a play-off to remember. Find your tickets to watch Watsonians take on Heriot’s at Myreside here: https://www.citizenticket.co.uk/events/watsonian-football-club/watsonians-rugby-v-heriot-s-rugby-fosroc-super6-2/

Match Officials

Ref – Ruairidh Campbell
AR 1 – Ross Mabon
AR 2 – Bob Nevins

Comments from the Coaches:

Fraser Pringle (Watsonians) said:

“There is one change to the backs where Ross McKnight returns to the starting team for Angus Guthrie who is unavailable through injury. Lee Millar returns to the squad on the bench.”

“In the forwards, we have 1 change to the starting pack with Bobby Bratton replacing Angus Williams who returns to the Edinburgh squad. On the bench, Kwagga Van Niekerk returns from an enforced week off to replace Neil Irvine-Hess on the bench. Robbie Deans returns to us from the Knights and is on the bench as prop cover.”

“Friday night at Myreside will be the first ever FOSROC Super 6 Championship semi final and what better fixture for it to be than Watsonians against Heriots under the lights at Myreside. The semi final really does add another dynamic to the tournament as everything goes on the line for both teams, who are desperate to get to the final next week. We are relishing the challenge of facing Heriots again this week after the game at Myreside last Friday night in Round 10. We know the challenge we face will be a tough one against a dangerous Heriots team. With all the hard work and dedication of our squad over the course of the season, we are determined to produce our best rugby when it matters most. To do that we need to be clinical when we get opportunities and put in a disciplined, 80 minute performance.”

Fin Gilles (Heriot’s Rugby) said:

“One change in the front row this week as Euan McLaren replaces Dan Gamble at tighthead. Josh Scott and Michael Liness continue at loosehead and hooker respectively. The ever-present Ronan Seydak rekindles his partnership with Fraser Hastie in the second row. After an impressive performance last week Callum Anderson has retained his place at number 8 and the backrow is completed with the ubiquitous Iain Wilson and captain Ruairidh Leishman, who will earn his 30^th cap for the club.”

“Unfortunately for Elliot Young he sustained an ankle injury that will keep out this week, we feel for Elliot as he was showing some excellent form. He is replaced with Gregor Hiddleston, we would like to thank Stirling for coming to our rescue. Chris Keen will cover loosehead and Dan Gamble covers tighthead. Our injury woes have not eased up at all this week which forces us into a 4/4 split on the bench. Sam Wallace was outstanding last week and is extremely unfortunate to miss out on a start this week but we expect a huge impact from the youngster from the bench.”

“It has been a rather interesting week preparing a backline, between injuries, last minute calls and pro release we have had a few enforced changes. Murdo McAndrew and Bruce Houston continue their half back partnership. We have a completely new centre partnership with Nyle Godsmark and Rory Steele replacing Cammy Hutchinson and Matt Davidson. Sam Pecqeuer returns to the squad and joins Jack Blain and Nathan Sweeney in the back 3. Jed Gelderbloom, Jake Henry, Dan King and Ross Jones complete the match day squad.”

“Watsonians have once again proven themselves to be the best team in the Super6 by securing top spot after the regular season. Fergus Pringle and all his team should be congratulated on their consistently high standards and winning mentality throughout the championship. However, this is play off rugby and we cannot wait for this challenge at Myrseide on Friday night.”

“We had a 10 minute spell on Friday night where we proved to ourselves that we have enough to compete and challenge Watsonians. Not many people outside of our group expect much from us, however we are looking to spring a surprise and shock the nae sayers.”

Team Selections

Saturday 15 October: Ayrshire Bulls v Boroughmuir Bears

The Bulls and the Bears meet once at Millbrae more to show why they deserve their spot in next week’s final (kick-off 5pm).

How to watch

Watch this game live on the Scottish Rugby website, BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.

Be There

You won’t want to miss this. Get your tickets now to watch Ayrshire Bulls and Boroughmuir Bears go head-to-head at Millbrae: https://www.ayrrugbyclub.co.uk/product/ayrshire-bulls-v-boroughmuir-bears/

Match Officials

Ref – Jonny Perriam
AR 1 – Michael Todd
AR 2 – Alistair Watt

Comments from the Coaches:

Pat McArthur (Ayrshire Bulls) said:

“Familiar look to the starting line-up which is bolstered by Robert Beattie who returns from injury. The bench has quality throughout which will look to make an impact during the game.”

“We welcome Boroughmuir Bears to Millbrae for the Semi-final. Knock out rugby always have an edge to them, it should be a great occasion. Boroughmuir are a quality team, coming to Millbrae with nothing to lose, we know we will have to be at our very best on Saturday. With a vocal home support behind the team it should bring out the best in us.”

Graham Shiel (Boroughmuir Bears) said:

“Callum McFeat Smith comes back into the starting XV at a Loose Head Prop. Jerry Blyth Lafferty continues to develop and progress at hooker and Luca Alessandri continues at Tight Head.”

“Jack Fisher and Callum Atkinson again make up the second row.”

“Craig Keddie returns from injury to take over the captaincy from Liam McConnell, who unfortunately drops out this week due to injury. Scott McGinley has also recovered to come back into the starting XV at 7 and Josh King makes his first start for a few weeks as he recovers from illness.”

“Ruairidh Swan and Jack Bergin continue at half back with Scott Robeson and Adam Scott completing the midfield. Kerr Johnstone has recovered from injury to rejoin Joe Jenkins and we are again fortunate to have Andrew McLean (Glasgow Hawks), who is settling in well to this level of competition starting at 15 completing the Back 3.”

“Corey Tait returns from injury and starts from the bench. Iain Carmichael also starts from the bench along with another returning player Martin McGinley.”

“Paul Bogie and Trystan Andrews complete the forwards and will make their impact on the game.”

“Murray Johnstone returns to the squad along with Callum Ramm and we also have Robbie Chalmers joining us from Southern Knights as a permit player cover this week.”

“We are very grateful to Southern Knights Bruce Ruthven and Glasgow Hawks Andy Hill for their support, and we appreciate the gesture greatly allowing players more exposure at Super6 level.”

“We performed well last week in the final round of games in the 2022 Championship managing to compete well with the Bulls for most of the game. We have a couple of players returning to the squad this week, but again we find ourselves requiring external support to be able to field a competitive squad, which is frustrating going into the play offs, when ideally you would have built some consistency and continuity in performances and personnel.”

“It is a bit of a mountain to climb for the Bears. The competition table tells the story of the season and whilst we go to Millbrae clearly aiming to reach the final, we are under no illusions around our task. Unfortunately, last week we were 17pts behind Ayrshire Bulls – now we are 22pts! Simply we need to find a way to perform well enough to win 5 games in our performance tomorrow! I am confident to say, that it will not be for the lack of effort from the squad as it has been a trait of theirs that whatever is laid out in front of them, they except the challenge for what it is, and they work tirelessly to overcome any obstacles.”

“Our season to date has been very positive and we have much to celebrate in our 2022 campaign. The reward of reaching the Play Off’s to again play one of the two outstanding teams, is another opportunity to test ourselves against very good opposition and for the playing group to experience a Play Off occasion, which is something we have not been a part of since the conception of Super6.”

“This week’s training has been consistent with our work to date, simply what did we do well – what do we need to improve? Individually and collectively taking responsibility for our performance, resetting as a group, and then preparing to go again.”

“We will go to Millbrae with comfort that we have earned our opportunity and give it our best shot and whatever happens tomorrow, we can be satisfied with our achievements.”

Team Selections

FOSROC Super6 Championship Rulebook: Extra Time

Due to the nature of the play-off games, there are certain rules surrounding the requirement of extra time.

The FOSROC Super6 Championship Rulebook states that if the score ends in a draw when the full-time whistle is blown, “extra time shall be played comprising of two periods of 10 minutes each way with a one-minute interval. A coin shall be tossed by the Match referee to determine the direction of play.”

In addition, if the score is still equal after the extra time is played then “up to two further periods of extra time shall be played during which the Club which scores first shall be the winner.”