BT Women’s Premier League Preview: Hillhead aim to tame Cougars

This Sunday marks the first week of league split fixtures, with Hillhead Jordanhill welcoming RHC Cougars as the hosts go on the hunt for a win to stay up and compete with unbeaten Murrayfield Wanderers.This split will see top four teams Wandies, Hillhead, Cougars and Stewartry compete in a series of play-offs for the league title, while Stirling County, Ayr and Cartha also compete in a play-off style format.RHC and Hillhead met for the first time this season in October when Hillhead defeated the Cougars 15-38 away from home.Edinburgh-based Cougars have consistently performed well in the BT Women’s Premier League, finishing third last season on 47 points, and are currently third on 20 points after winning four from six matches this season.Despite their efforts however, they have struggled to defeat Hillhead and Murrayfield Wanderers, who are regular top-two spot holders.The last time Cougars conquered Glasgow giants Hillhead was in August 2015 in their season opener at Union Park, winning 40-32.Murrayfield Wanderers will similarly look to defeat Stewartry Sirens to retain their position in first place, just four points ahead of Hillhead on 30 points, having won six from six games with bonus points.Stewartry had their first encounter with Wandies in the second round of the league, losing 0-55, but now with the season in full swing the Castle Douglas girls hope they will be more competitive this time around.In the bottom split, Ayr host Cartha Queen’s Park for a west coast derby with both teams seeking their second win of the season.The two teams clashed during the first match of the season at Millbrae, Cartha winning 5-19 – their only win of the season so far – and so they will be keen to produce another result this Sunday.The draw for the second round of the Sarah Beaney Cup and the preliminary round of the BT Women’s Bowl took place today, detailing the following fixtures to be played on Sunday 27 November: Sarah Beaney Cup round two Broughton v AyrWatsonians v Stirling CountyAberdeenshire Quines v Cartha Queen’s ParkStewartry v Edinburgh UniversityBT Women’s Bowl preliminary roundAnnan v Oban LorneGlasgow University v Howe of FifeGrangemouth v Royal Dick Veterinary College Kirkcaldy, Greenock Wanderers, Garioch, Lismore, and Helensburgh have received BYEs. Clubs from across BT Women’s National 1 and 2 will also continue their season on Sunday. For a full list of fixtures, visit scottishrugby.org.