Silver Saturday preview: Sarah Beaney Cup: Watsonians v Hillhead Jordanhill

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - MAY 06: Watsonians players lift the Sarah Beaney Cup during a match between Watsonians and Corstorphine Cougars at BT Murrayfield, on May 06, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group)

Watsonians went unbeaten in the regular Premiership season, but lost out to Stirling County in the final at Myreside.

In the Sarah Beaney Cup group stages, they topped the group with five wins from six games, finishing on 26 points with a points difference of 107.

In the group stage match between the two sides, Watsonians came out on top 31-25 at Hughenden.

Head Coach Bruce Millar said: “We’re excited to be back at Murrayfield with the opportunity to defend the Sarah Beaney Cup.

“We came through a difficult cup run which coincided with the Celtic Challenge, a competition we are proud to have had so many players involved in. In particular, we got a hard-fought win at Cougars in the first game, a side who are always incredibly hard to beat; and I’m very proud of the fact we went up to Stirling with a depleted squad of only 15 players and picked up a try bonus point which was ultimately the difference between us getting to the final or being third in the table.

“We narrowly beat Hills three weeks ago in a game where momentum swung between the two teams and went right to the wire. They are a side we have huge respect for and I’m sure it will be an entertaining final.”

Captain Rachel Law added: “We are really excited to have made it to the Sarah Beaney Cup Final.

“We’ve had an great cup run so far, putting in some solid performances and showing the depth that this team has to offer. Hills have done the same and have looked extremely strong so we know it’s going to be a physical battle.

“We are really looking forward to getting out there and hopefully putting on a cracking display of rugby.”

Watsonians lifted the Sarah Beaney Cup in 2023.

As for Hillhead Jordanhill, they finished the Premiership season in third with nine wins from 14 matches.

They also finished the group stage with five wins on 26 points, but finished just two behind Watsonians on points difference with 105 to reach a first Sarah Beaney Cup final since beating Watsonians in 2022.

Captain Hannah Telling said: “We are super excited to be back at Silver Saturday competing for the Sarah Beaney Cup once more. We’ve been building to this point all season and we can’t wait to show what we can do on the main stage.

“We know Watsonians bring real physicality, strength and ruthlessness in attack. We’re ready to meet that head on.

“It’s been great to have our players back from their star turns representing Glasgow Warriors in the Celtic Challenge and we’ve seen some outstanding performances from Debbie Lee (number 8), Roma Fraser (full back) and Carla McDonald (fly half) since they’ve come back into the squad.

“Having such key players absent for the start of the cup run was tough, but is a reminder that getting to the biggest game in Scottish women’s rugby is a whole squad effort. We had over 30 players pulling on the Hills 1XV shirt during the cup run and every player made a huge contribution to getting us to Silver Saturday.

“This will be my sixth (and last) Sarah Beaney Cup Final with Hills and I don’t think I’ve ever played with a stronger, more united squad. It’s going to be an absolute honour leading the girls out on Saturday and I can’t wait for everyone to see what we can do.”

Coach Stephen Gillies added: “As a group we’ve had a really exciting season and we’re thrilled to be able to conclude it with a visit to Murrayfield for the Cup Final.

“We’re really proud of the spirit within the squad and the rugby we have played throughout the competition. With any final, you prepare to win, but we know that isn’t decided until the final whistle goes. The group is excited and committed to show everyone what they can do.

“We have massive respect for Watsonians as a group and as a rugby team. With the strengths both teams bring, I’ve no doubt it’ll make for an exciting game.

“In total we’ve had 34 players play in the competition so far, emphasising the full team achievement. Three players within the match day squad played in last year’s Bowl Final with our 2nd XV and another ten played in the 2022 Cup Final.

“We’re looking to show the best version of ourselves come game day, with the aim of putting on a performance everyone connected with the team can be proud of.”

To view the Watsonians team, click HERE.

To view the Hillhead Jordanhill team, click HERE.

On the day

Gates will open at 10am for spectators, with a range of food and drink options available throughout the day. 

You can view up-to-date fixtures and results on the day HERE. 

Ticketing

The ticketing portal is now live. You will receive your tickets through Scottish Rugby’s ticketing app. If you have not already, you can download the app here. 

Finalist rugby clubs can earn commission on Silver Saturday 2024 match tickets if purchased through the club’s unique URL. If you want to support your rugby club in this way, please ensure you use the URL of the club you wish to support. 

Once you click on the link, you’ll be taken to the Scottish Rugby Online Ticket Centre to make your purchase in the standard way. Club URLs can be found here. 

Media accreditation 

Accreditation for media outlets and club photographers/videographers will close on Friday 26 April at 5pm. You will be refused entry if you are not properly accredited. Click here to be taken to the accreditation portal.