Silver Saturday preview: Scottish Cup final: Edinburgh Academical v Hawick
The Scottish Cup comes to a conclusion at Silver Saturday as Edinburgh Academical and defending champions Hawick face off at Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kick off 7.15pm).
Accies finished seventh in the Premiership this season, picking up seven wins and a draw from their 18 games.
They were 63-14 winners against Glasgow Hawks in the first round of the Scottish Cup, and won 19-10 at home to Heriot’s Blues in the quarter-final.
That set up a semi final against Marr last weekend, which they won 30-21 to reach Saturday’s final.
Captain Neil Armstrong said: “We’ve had a very enjoyable few weeks playing cup rugby and it’s been great to reward all the support we’ve had with a series of good wins. We are very aware that we underperformed in our league campaign, but we always knew we were capable of more and we’re just relishing the opportunity to win some silverware and make a success of this season.”
Head Coach Iain Berthinussen added: “The application from the players over the last six weeks has been fantastic showing a real desire to embrace the opportunity the Scottish Cup has presented.
“Hawick are clearly the best team in the country at this level right now, they’ve got huge resources at their disposal, but we’ll enjoy Saturday and embrace that challenge on the big pitch in what will be our last dance of the season.”
Last year’s double winners Hawick are on to repeat the feat this year, having reached the final of the Premiership where they play Currie Chieftains.
They advanced straight to the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup after Glasgow Academicals withdrew, winning 36-0 away to Dundee and securing a semi-final berth.
That saw Hawick take on Currie, who they beat 16-3 to set up Saturday’s chance to defend their title.
Head Coach Graham Hogg said: “We are really looking forward to our showdown with Edinburgh Accies in the cup final today, starting a very exciting couple of weeks for the club. After a disjointed cup campaign, it’s brilliant to be back at Murrayfield in the showpiece event after tasting success here last season.
“Training has been excellent over the past couple of weeks and the boys have worked hard to put themselves in these positions. We’ll be doing all we can to emulate last season’s success and keep up a great tradition of Hawick sides in this cup competition.”
To view the Edinburgh Accies team, click HERE.
To view the Hawick 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.