Hillhead Jordanhill and Watsonians set for top of the table clash

Hillhead have won all five of their opening fixtures, while Watsonians have suffered just one defeat, against Stirling County RFC. With both sides enjoying strong starts, Saturday’s meeting promises to be a closely contested fixture as Stage 1 approaches its conclusion.

Ahead of the match, we caught up with Hillhead player Lara Bardelli, who has been sharing her rugby journey through our Prem Diaries series and captain Siobhann McGinley to discuss the team’s form and the challenge ahead.

For Bardelli, rugby has always been part of life. Growing up with a dad and brother who both played, she was never far from a rugby pitch, but it was only last year, at the age of 25, that she decided to give it a go herself.

“I’ve played rugby for one year now and I started when I was 25. I’ve been exposed to rugby my whole life. Literally, my brother played it, my dad played it. There are pictures of me at the side of the rugby pitch,” she said.

“Then last year, I thought if it’s ever going to be a time to start, it’s going to be about now.”

Since then, her journey has moved quickly. After making her debut in September last year, Bardelli earned an opportunity to play for Hillhead’s First XV within weeks.

One of her standout memories came just four matches into her rugby career, when Hillhead welcomed Wigtownshire RFC. Their opponents were top of the Arnold Clark West Region League Division 1, but Hillhead pulled off an unexpected win.

“We never expected to win that match and it was the match of my first ever try. It was such a key memory.”

Alongside 15s rugby, Bardelli has gained experience in sevens, representing the Hearts + Balls Sevens team and preparing to travel to Dubai Sevens this year with Savvy Panthers. A former sprinter, she has a particular interest in speed work and enjoys bringing that background into her game.

After picking up several injuries during the sevens season, however, Bardelli has been taking time to recover. Having watched Hillhead’s impressive start from the sidelines, she is looking forward to getting back on the pitch.

“After watching the girls smash the first part of the season from the sidelines, I am looking forward to actually getting back on the pitch! My body needed a bit more of a break than I realised after picking up a few injuries through the 7s season.”

Saturday’s fixture will mark her return to 15s rugby, with her last appearance coming against Watsonians in the cup final at Murrayfield.

“My last 15s match was against Watsonians at the cup final, so I’m a mix of excitement and nerves, but I’m sure it will all be fine after the first hit,” she said.

“Coming back into it is still all part of the learning process for me.”

Despite the nerves that naturally come with returning from injury, Bardelli has been encouraged by the atmosphere within the squad and the hard work she has seen from her teammates.

“The atmosphere has been so positive and I’ve watched the team show up and work hard, so I think it’s all going to add up to a good performance this weekend.”

While Bardelli is looking forward to making her return to the pitch, Hillhead captain Siobhann McGinley has been central to the squad’s strong start to the season. Having come through the club’s youth ranks before returning to Scotland following a spell playing in Australia, McGinley is now leading a side that has won all five of its opening league fixtures. She believes the team’s squad depth and versatility have been key to their success.

“We’ve fought hard to earn our place at the top of the league and I think being able to use our squad depth and versatility has helped massively,” she said.

“We’ve been able to manage games well and adapt under different circumstances on the pitch. We have so many great players who all offer different talents and skills, meaning we can expand our game to suit the opposition.”

The work put in at training has also helped the team develop its style of play, with coach Tim Brown making a particular impact on the squad’s contact and breakdown skills.

After a difficult league campaign by their own standards last season, the players have enjoyed making a strong start this time around.

“After a disappointing league run last season by our standards, to come out of the blocks firing was really important for us. I think we’ve proven exactly why we’re one of the top teams in the women’s league.”

For McGinley, the positive atmosphere within the squad has been just as important as the results. The club places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and the relationships built away from the pitch, helping create an environment where players can enjoy every aspect of being part of the team.

This season has also brought a special moment for the captain. Having learned to play rugby at Hillhead during her under-15 and under-18 years, being voted into the leadership role feels like an opportunity to give something back to the club.

“I was honoured this season when the girls voted me in as captain. It felt like a real full-circle moment after learning to play rugby at Hills during my U15/18 seasons. I owe a lot to the club and captaining the women’s squad allows me to repay a small amount of that.”

With Watsonians sitting second in the standings, McGinley knows Saturday will be a significant test. The visitors have recorded just one defeat this season and are known for their quick, expansive style of play.

“Watsonians are always a challenging side and they play some quick and expansive rugby,” she said.

“We’re no strangers to a good game against them and with our last game against them being our final at Murrayfield, the girls will be looking for a big performance on Saturday.”

The sides know each other well, with their last meeting at Hughenden ending in a 17-17 draw. McGinley expects another competitive 80 minutes, pointing to Watsonians’ threats throughout the team, from their front row to their backline.

Hillhead will be looking to make the most of home advantage and build on the confidence gained from their unbeaten start.

“I’m confident that, with how we’ve been progressing this season, we can manage those threats and play our style of rugby.”

A win would provide a valuable boost ahead of Hillhead’s final regular league fixture against Stirling County. With their place in the top four secured, the squad can continue to develop its game while keeping its focus on the challenge immediately ahead.

“The girls have been working really hard at training and deserve to see it pay off in a win this weekend at home,” McGinley said.

With Hillhead aiming to maintain their unbeaten run and Watsonians looking to close the gap at the top, Saturday’s fixture promises to be an exciting return to the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership action.

This Scottish Rugby Match of the Week will be broadcast live on the Scottish Rugby YouTube channel, with kick-off scheduled for 1pm.

Elsewhere in Round 6 of the Arnold Clark Women’s Premiership, Biggar RFC host Stirling County, Corstorphine RFC travel to Cartha Queen’s Park RFC and Garioch RFC welcome Heriot’s Rugby Women.

In the Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership, Currie Chieftains host GHA RFC at Malleny Park, Hawick RFC travel to Raeburn Place to face Edinburgh Accies and Glasgow Hawks welcome Heriot’s Rugby Men.

The round also features a top-of-the-table clash at The Greenyards, where Melrose Rugby host Ayr RFC, with just three points separating Melrose and Ayr at the top of the men’s Arnold Clark Premiership, there is plenty at stake across the weekend’s fixtures.