BT Premiership PREVIEW | Momentum key in all Edinburgh clash

6 Oct 2017

This Saturday (7 October, kick off 3pm) sees resurgent Edinburgh rivals, Heriots and Boroughmuir, clash as they look to build momentum after wins last week.

Home side, Heriot’s have shaken off a disappointing start of two narrow losses in the opening rounds with three wins on the bounce, including a convincing 12 try victory over Hawick.

Boroughmuir enter the fixture off the back of a close-fought win in Round 5 against league newcomers Marr.

Now both teams are raring to go ahead of the second Edinburgh derby in as many weeks.

Heriot’s Head Coach, Phil Smith, said: “Back to back weekends of local derbies mean no stepping off for the squad.

“After putting in a couple of decent performances, the lads are keen to maintain the momentum this weekend by continuing to work on the areas of our game that need fixed, while not forgetting about the areas that have got us to this stage.”

However, Heriot’s will be facing a Boroughmuir squad that has been tough to play and buoyed by last weekend’s win.

Smith added: “Looking at their results, they have been competitive in each game, which means we cannot afford to be complacent.

“That is made easier with them not only being city rivals, but by the fact they have a host of very good players, who can really hurt any opposition.”

The visitors are looking to consolidate on their opening win and some encouraging performances, including an agonising final minute loss to last year’s champions, Ayr, in the first round.

They will be looking to enjoy their rugby against tricky opposition.

Boroughmuir Head Coach, Peter Wright, said: “It was good to get a win last week, the players have trained with more of a smile on their face.

“But they know this is another tough game and we have been working on getting the basics and discipline right.”

Elsewhere, Marr host Ayr for the first Ayrshire derby since the 1970s and Currie Chieftains take on Glasgow Hawks in Edinburgh with only two points separating the teams in the table.

Second place Stirling County welcome high-flying Melrose and Watsonians visit Hawick who are looking for their first win.

Heriot’s v Boroughmuir will be live-tweeted from @Scotlandteam.

Clubs from across BT National Leagues 1, 2 and 3 will also continue their season on Saturday. For a full list of fixtures, visit scottishrugby.org.

Heriot’s v Boroughmuir, Goldenacre, 3pm

Heriot’s: Ross Jones; Charlie Simpson, Robbie Mulveena, Rory Carmichael CAPTAIN, Craig Robertson; Stuart Edwards, Tom Wilson; Struan Cessford, Michael Liness, Murray McCallum, Callum Marshall, Adam Sinclair, Michael Maltman, Jack McLean, Martin Hughes

Replacements: Ali Johnstone, Martin Bouab, Clarke Smith, Alex Ball, Junior Rosalea

Boroughmuir: Greg Cannie; Damien Hoyland, Ronan Kerr, Mark Hare, Jordan Edmunds; Ciaran Whyte, Jonny Adams; Ross Dunbar, Jonny Matthews, Dan Winning, Tom Drennan, Lewis Carmichael, Aubrey Mcube, Matt Walker, Craig Keddie

Replacements: Cal Davies, Dale Robertson, Dan Marek, Jack Hamilton, Grant McConnell