BT Cup PREVIEW – Derby games take centre stage in BT Cup
17 Nov 2017BT Premiership team, Hawick, host Borders rivals Selkirk in the first round of the BT Cup this Saturday (Kick-off 1.30pm).
Hawick, who sit bottom of their league in spite of some strong performances, will be looking to bring some cheer to Mansfield Park against a Selkirk team very much in the mix for promotion from BT National 1.
The visitors will be looking to make it three wins in a row in all competitions having only lost two games all season and scored seven try bonus points in the process.
Selkirk Head Coach, Graham Marshall, said: “Borders derbies are always big games for us so we’re looking forward to taking on Hawick this Saturday.
“They will be trying to build some momentum going back into the league fixtures so we know it will be a tough game at Mansfield Park and really good preparation for our next league game against Jed-Forest.”
Hawick Head Coach, George Graham, is aiming to mastermind a turn in fortunes for his side and believes they will not have an easy job claiming bragging rights over their neighbours
Graham said: “A huge game for us this week as we look to build on an impressive second half against Currie.
Selkirk are playing well at the moment and we are well aware that we will need to be on all cylinders to get anything from the game.”
The home team make only two changes since their last outing versus Currie with Fraser Renwick starting at hooker in place of Matt Carryer and Keith Davies coming in at outside centre.
Elsewhere, Jed-Forest host unbeaten Melrose in another Borders derby and BT Premiership clubs, Ayr and Currie Chieftains, lock horns on Friday night.
Glasgow Hawks welcome Watsonians in another top-flight clash on Saturday.
Heriot’s face a tricky test when they visit unbeaten Edinburgh Accies in an Edinburgh show-down and Stirling County will be aiming to take the central Scotland bragging rights against Falkirk.
Gala will be hoping to upset Boroughmuir away from home and Marr move into the next round following Dundee HSFP’s withdrawal.
BT Cup Round 1
Friday 17 November
Jed-forest v Melrose, Riverside Park, 7.30pm
Ayr v Currie Chieftains, Malleny Park, 7.45pm
Saturday 18 November
Boroughmuir v Gala, Meggetland, 1.30pm
Stirling County v Falkirk, Bridgehaugh, 1.30pm
Glasgow Hawks v Watsonians, Old Anniesland, 1.30pm
Hawick v Selkirk, Mansfield Park, 1.30pm
Edinburgh Accies v Heriot’s, Raeburn Place, 1.30pm
Dundee HSFP withdraw and Marr proceed to the quarter finals
