Women’s Premiership Preview | Round 12

STIRLING, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 28: Corstorphine's Kiyomi Honjagawa scores a first half penalty during a Tennent's Women's Premiership final between Stirling County and Corstorphine Cougars at Bridgehaugh, on January 28, 2023, in Stirling, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group)

Cartha Queens Park v Stirling County – Dumbreck, KO 1pm

Round 12 of the Premiership starts in Glasgow as Cartha welcome Stirling County to Dumbreck.

In their previous head-to-head, County came out on top but not without a fight from Cartha, with the full-time score concluding 29-17.

Whilst Stirling County remain on track of a place in the top two to reach the final, a win will be ever important for them in order to maintain that position with just two full rounds of competition left.

Heriot’s Blues v Corstorphine Cougars – Goldenacre, KO 2pm

It’s time for a capital derby as Heriot’s Blues host Corstorphine Cougars in a race to finish in the top three.

In their previous clash this season, Cougars came out on top by just five points (22-17). With Heriot’s on a four-game winning streak and Cougars eager to return to winnings ways after last weekend’s loss to County (14-26), this is expected to be a very exciting and close contest.

Regardless of the outcome, it will be a special occasion for Heriot’s lock, Cat Syme, who will make her 50^th appearance for the Blues, and Scotland international Emma Orr returns to the fold after their WXV2 win in South Africa.

Speaking ahead of their game, Heriot’s Co-Captain, Annabel Sergeant said: “This is a huge game for us, with both teams fighting for the third spot in the league. The last time we played them at Union Park it ended in disappointment with a heartbreaking loss in the final minutes.

“Now, as we prepare to face them again on our home turf, the team is eager to rectify that setback. It’s going to take an 80-minute performance to come out with the win.”

Cougars are equally ware of what it will take to come out on top. Head Coach, Eric Jones said: “After a tough game last week we’re looking to pick ourselves up and travel to Goldenacre to face a Heriot’s team that have had a couple of good results lately.

“We had some outstanding performances last week, but we did not look after the ball well enough and Stirling’s ball retention was very good. We still felt we left a couple of opportunities on the pitch, so we’ll be looking to cut out the unforced errors this week and be more clinical.

“Heriot’s at Goldenacre always provide a challenge, especially their backline which can have a number of former or current international players in it at any time.”

Watsonian FC v Stewartry Sirens – Myreside, KO 2pm

Watsonians will look to continue their unbeaten record this weekend as they welcome Stewartry Sirens to Myreside.

Last weekend Watsonians secured a 71-12 victory over Garioch, with centre Briar McNamara giving a stand-out performance scoring a hattrick and successful converting six of the team’s 11 tries.

For Stewartry, last week was a tough contest against Heriot’s Blues as they lost out 19-45 to the capital side. Lock Caitlin Craik was a stand-out player for the Sirens, scoring a brace in just her fifth game.

In their previous meeting, Watsonians won 10-46. Whilst it will be a tall order to beat the league leaders, nothing is ever said to be impossible, but a try-bonus and/or a losing bonus-point could prove crucial for Stewartry as the season draws closer to a conclusion.

Garioch v Hillhead Jordanhill – Kellands Park, KO 2pm

After a tough loss to the league leaders last weekend, Garioch will be hoping to bounce back with a home game against Hillhead Jordanhill.

Hills on the other hand recorded their sixth win of the season after a 52-0 win over Cartha last Friday. Alongside captain, Hannah Telling, tries were scored by Emma Barlow, Senna Marra, Brogan Carberry and Marieann Wales.

In their last meeting, Hills claimed the win 59-12.

Similarly to Stewartry, an table points that could be earned would be important this weekend, particularly as only one point separates the two sides.