BT Women’s Premier League Preview: Last season’s champions host Cougars in Edinburgh Derby

Murrayfield Wanderers, the winners of both the Sarah Beaney Cup and BT Women’s Premier League last season, welcome RHC Cougars on Friday evening at 7pm at BT Murrayfield’s back pitches.Both teams are unbeaten in the league so far, winning three from three games, making this Edinburgh derby one to watch.Despite Wandies defeating Hillhead Jordanhill away from home last weekend 24-38, they are third in the table while Hills still lead the way on 16 points -RHC Cougars sit between the two.Wandies and Cougars both have 15 points and the winner of this match is likely to either remain in or move up into the top two.Depending on how Hills perform away against Ayr this Friday also, the winner of this derby could potentially move to first place.Although the season has not long started, there are only three rounds left (including this weekend’s) before the league is split into top four and bottom four.These next few games are therefore crucial for teams looking to cement their place in the top four to be in with a chance of competing for the 2016/17 title.Ruth Slaven, coach at Murrayfield Wanderers, said: “I would hope to see the team producing the same results as last year but we are aware that it will be a tough season and we can’t rely on our previous success. We of course start from zero again and have to prove ourselves on the pitch.”Playing RHC Cougars is always a fiercely contested match. I would hope to secure a win against them and know that the Cougars will bring everything they have to the field.Like Murrayfield Wanderers, RHC Cougars are home to many Scotland women players so the sides are evenly matched.Slaven continued: “Every game brings different challenges and I know that RHC are strong in the break down and defence. We will be building on our game from the previous week, continuing to develop our own management of the breakdown.The strength of our team allows us to play a fast game, looking to get the backs involved as much as possible.”Elsewhere this Friday, Cartha Queens Park host Stewartry and will be battling it out for a chance at a spot in the top four as Stewartry are currently fourth on nine points, and Cartha fifth on four.Current league leaders Hillhead Jordanhill will travel to the east coast to take on Ayr and hope to take home a win to strengthen their position at the top.    Stirling County are set to also host Melrose at Bridgehaugh.Clubs from across the BT Women’s National Leagues Division 1 and 2 will also continue their season this weekend. For a full list of fixtures, please visit scottishrugby.org.