BT Women’s Premier League Preview: Newcomers Watsonians face Stirling County

Watsonians are set for Friday night lights at Bridgehaugh this evening, as the newly promoted side face Stirling County in their first top-flight match of the 2017/18 season (kick-off 8pm).The Edinburgh side were promoted into the BT Women’s Premier League following their unbeaten record in the BT Women’s National League Division 1 last year, winning 10 from 10 games.Captain Sarah Nimmo’s side are looking to impress in the top tier women’s club competition, she said: “We are, as yet, an untested force in this league and aware of how physical and skilful some of our opponents will be.We’re training hard to make sure we can deal with that and, ultimately, we aim to challenge and unsettle some of the dominant teams and consolidate our place in the Premier League.”The last time Watsonians were in the fold for the BT Women’s Premier League was in 2013/14, but Nimmo believes they’ve got what it takes to challenge their opponents.She added: “We’re under no illusions how tough the Premier League can be, but we also know if we keep working hard and playing for each other then we can really find our feet in this league.”We’ve always been a team that has fun when we play and train so keeping that spirit is key for us. We are lucky to have four coaches and having that broad range of experience and knowledge is great for preparing the team.”We’re geared up for some of the toughest rugby in our careers and hopefully some of the most enjoyable. It’s an exciting time for women’s rugby and we’re relishing the prospect of the BT Women’s Premier League.”The newbies won’t be the only ones raring to go tonight, as Stirling County’s intended first match of the season against Cartha Queens’ Park was postponed last week due to weather conditions.Elsewhere, 2016/17 BT Women’s Premier League winners Murrayfield Wanderers play local rivals RHC Cougars in a capital derby on the back pitches at BT Murrayfield, as the hosts look to dominate from the get go, (kick-off 7pm).A west coast derby also takes place at Hughenden as Hillhead Jordanhill welcome Cartha Queen’s Park (kick-off 7.30pm) while last season’s newcomers – Ayr and Stewartry – begin their second season in the flagship women’s club competition at Millbrae (kick-off 7pm). Clubs from across BT Women’s National Leagues 1 and 2 will also continue their season this weekend. For a full list of fixtures, visit scottishrugby.org.