Heriot’s and Melrose contest BT Charity Shield

The 2016 BT Charity Shield will see Heriot’s and Melrose go head-to-head for silverware at Goldenacre on Friday 19 August, one week out from the start of the BT Premiership season.  Now in its third year, the BT Charity Shield match will see two of Scotland’s top club sides compete in a repeat of the 2015/16 BT Cup final, which saw Heriot’s overcome the Borders side 21-13 in a close contest. Heriot’s are the current title holders having defeated Boroughmuir in last year’s BT Charity Shield match, with the Edinburgh club also winning both the BT Premiership and BT Cup in 2015/16. Given Heriot’s completed the double, Melrose will contest the BT Charity Shield as runners up from the BT Cup final. Both sides will be looking to set down a marker ahead of the new season, in the match that will raise funds for children’s charity CCLASP. Heriot’s head coach, Phil Smith, said: “This fixture is the perfect challenge for the squad heading into the new BT Premiership season and we are looking forward to entering back into competitive games.We are going into this match having completed a terrific 2015/16 season and will be full of confidence come next week.Melrose head coach, Robert Chrystie, said: “We have a good blend of youth and experience joining the club this season and everyone is hungry to do well, with the BT Charity Shield a great opportunity to kick-off winning ways. “This game is still part of our pre-season but with a little added spice, which does make it a bit more real. We will reflect on last season but will also be looking to start afresh and build towards regular winning performances in the BT Premiership.Tickets will be available on the gate at Goldenacre £10 for adults,£5 for U18s and concessions). All money raised goes to the children’s charity CCLASP. For anyone unable to attend, the BT Charity Shield match will be live-streamed via Scottish Rugby TV and also live-tweeted via @Scotlandteam. BT Charity Shield, Heriot’s v Melrose, Goldenacre, Friday 19 August (kick-off 6.45pm)