BT Women’s Premier League Preview: Cougars take on newbies Ayr

This weekend marks the beginning of Edinburgh based women’s team RHC Cougars BT Women’s Premiership 2016/17 season as they face new league arrivals, Ayr, on home turf at Union Park.Along with Stewartry Sirens, Ayr were promoted from BT Women’s National League Division 1 following their success last season, with Ayr coming out on top and Stewartry second.The BT women’s leagues underwent some restructuring for the season 2016/17 as an increasing number of women’s teams established themselves and made BT league status following National Development League training, enabling the two top teams from both the BT Women’s National Leagues 1 and 2 to be promoted.  RHC Cougars are veterans of the top ranks of women’s club rugby, but have struggled to top the league table, finishing third last season behind consistent table-toppers Murrayfield Wanderers and Hillhead Jordanhill.On Friday 2 September Ayr hosted their first home match against Cartha Queen’s Park, but despite their efforts were unable to secure a home victory with Cartha winning 19-5.Ayr Women’s head coach Stuart Fenwick, said: “We are hoping to bounce back after a tough game against Cartha last week.”The girls put a lot of effort in, but will be looking to minimise errors this week in order to get some continuity in their play and go for longer periods with possession.” Claire Law made her debut on the wing for Ayr and scored the only try of the game for the side.Ayr will be looking to stamp their mark on the BT Premiership against the Cougars on Sunday as both teams battle it out for their first win of the season, whilst Melrose also host their first league match of the season against Cartha Queen’s Park.As the table currently stands, Ayr are fourth in front of Stirling Country who suffered a 52-5 defeat to Murrayfield Wanderers on Sunday.The newbies from the Borders, Stewartry, welcome Murrayfield Wanderers down from the capital hoping to rectify their defeat against Hillhead Jordanhill the previous weekend.Stirling Country will also try to shake off their latest loss and take on current league leaders Hillhead Jordanhill, who will have home advantage. Glasgow’s Cartha Queen’s who stole Ayr’s home league opener will strive for another win as they travel to The Greenyards to face Melrose. Clubs from the BT Women’s National 1 and 2 leagues will also continue their respective seasons this Sunday. For a full list of fixtures, visit scottishrugby.org.