BT Cup Preview: Gala host Hawick in Borders derby

The third round of the BT Cup gets underway this weekend with teams from across the BT Premiership and BT National Leagues going head-to-head. A Border derby stands out as a pick of the draw with Gala hosting Hawick and Nikki Walker’s men sitting above the Maroons at the bottom of the BT Premiership table.Gala Head Coach Chris Dalgleish, said: “The break from league action sees us play the first of two titanic back-to-back matches against our near rivals Hawick.Our performance was much improved against Heriot’s last Saturday but still well short in certain areas and this weekend is all about achieving a more complete display and regaining some much needed confidence to take into the last few games of the season.”Hawick Head Coach Nikki Walker, said: “These derbies are matches that everyone involved looks forward to and I am sure the knock out nature of this match will bring the best out of both teams meaning we should be in for a thrilling afternoon.”I am sure we will have strong travelling support as usual and will do our best to reward them with a BT Cup run for their endeavour.”BT Premiership league leaders Melrose welcome Currie with the Borders side having already enjoyed a 52-22 victory over the capital club in the league this season.Melrose Head Coach Rob Chrystie, said: “Currie will, as always, be well organised and prepared for this BT Cup game.We have prepared well this week after playing Watsonians in the BT Premiership last weekend. The squad are focussed on putting in a big performance which will be needed to be in the hat for the next round.”Currie Head Coach Ben Cairns, said: “Melrose away is probably the toughest draw we could have asked for. They are playing some excellent rugby at present and I’m sure will be full of confidence going into this encounter.”We were happy with large parts of our performance last weekend against Hawick and will look to take this form away from home. Knockout rugby tends to change the mentality of the players and with a number of guys getting an opportunity at 1st XV level we go to The Greenyards with nothing to lose.”Watsonians are set to visit Glasgow Hawks in another exciting tie between two clubs who have performed well across all areas.Watsonians Head Coach Marcus Di Rollo, said: “We got off to a slow start last week at Melrose, but played well in spells to pick up two losing bonus points and now we want to take the attacking intent that saw us score six tries into this BT Cup tie.Glasgow Hawks Head Coach Finlay Gillies, said: “After an improved performance last weekend against a strong Boroughmuir team we now focus all our energy on a BT Cup run.Watsonians managed to score 41 points at The Greenyards last weekend, which is no mean feat and shows their attacking credentials. The last time we met at Myreside it came down to the wire and we managed to scrape a win at the death.”Elsewhere, BT Premiership side Ayr will travel to Aberdeen Grammar, after the BT National League Division 1 side pushed past Greenock Wanderers in the second round.An Edinburgh derby is also set as Boroughmuir host BT National League Division 1 performers Edinburgh Academical.Dundee HSFP welcome Stirling County while BT National League Division 2 side Kirkcaldy host BT Premiership defending champions Heriot’s. BT Cup Third RoundDundee HSFP v Stirling County, Mayfield, 1.30pmMelrose v Currie, The Greenyards, 1.30pmAberdeen Grammar Rugby v Ayr, Rubislaw, 2pmGala v Hawick, Netherdale, 3pmBoroughmuir v Edinburgh Academical, Meggetland, 3pmGlasgow Hawks v Watsonians, Old Anniesland, 3pmKirkcaldy v Heriot’s, Beveridge Park, 3pm