Men’s Premiership & National 1 Round 3 | Preview

CURRIE, SCOTLAND - APRIL 02: Currie’s Charlie Brett during a Tennents Premiership Final between Currie Chieftains and Marr RFC at Mallery Park, on April 02, 2022, in Currie, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group)

Musselburgh v Currie Chieftains – Stoneyhill, KO 3pm

On Saturday Musselburgh play host to Currie Chieftains.

Currie Chieftains claimed their second win of the Premiership last weekend with yet another try-bonus point performance.

Currie’s try-fest spectacle against Jed-Forest saw Ryan Stewart DJ Innes, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, James McCaig (2), Sam Leto, Matt O’Neill and Ali Bain all cross the whitewash.

Despite suffering a defeat to Accies last weekend, Musselburgh were able to advance their league position with a try-bonus point through scores from Raymond Mackie, Michael Badenhorst, Sandy Watt and Ross Brown.

Speaking to Scottish Rugby about the 2023/24 season so far, Musselburgh Head Coach Derek O’Riordan said: “I have mixed feelings over the past couple of weeks. I’m pleased we took something from both games and in particular our way to find our way back into games when last year we would have just capitulated.

“So, that’s somewhat pleasing but there are two league points that went begging in week one that would have seen us in the top half of the league going into this week but instead we are on the other end. We know what we need to do over the next three games to set ourselves up for the second block of our season.

“Currie coming to Stoneyhill this weekend presents an exciting challenge for us as everyone will be expecting us to fall on the wrong side of the result. Pretty good opportunity this early in the season to go out and play with nothing to lose and have a craic at last year’s finalists.”

Glasgow Hawks v Marr – Balgray, KO 3pm

Marr travel to Glasgow Hawks this Saturday, with both sides looking to capitalise on their resounding victories last weekend.

Marr caused upset last Saturday with a stirring 24-5 victory over title defenders Hawick. Colin Sturgeon contributed 15 points to the score board from the boot, with Blair Jardine and Jake Jacobson scoring their two tries.

Five players crossed the whitewash for seven tries last weekend for Hawks, giving them a bonus point win on home ground, something Andy Hill’s side will no doubt look to do again this weekend at Balgray.

Selkirk v Jed-Forest – Philiphaugh, KO 3pm

Selkirk host Jed-Forest on Saturday in one of two Borders derby’s this weekend. Although only two rounds in, neither side has won a match yet, so this game really will be all to play for to secure much needed table points.

Jed had slow start to their performance against Currie last weekend, scoring their only try in the 67^th minute of the game. Despite two yellow cards being handed to Currie’s Ali Bain and James McCaig in the final moments of the game, the two-man advantage came all but too late for Jed. This Saturday will be a chance to turn their luck around.

Last Saturday Selkirk suffered defeat at the hands of Glasgow Hawks (45-19) so this weekend will be a chance for Gordon Henderson’s growing training squad to regroup.

Hawick v Kelso – Mansfield Park, 3pm

Our second Borders derby sees Hawick host Kelso at Mansfield Park.

It was heartbreak for Hawick last weekend after they were defeated for the first time in over 18 months to a better disciplined Marr. Matty Douglas’ side will be eager to get back to their winning ways on Saturday.

Whilst Kelso have performed well so far in their Premiership debut, their home game against Heriot’s Blues last Saturday concluded in a hard fought draw, leaving the Poynder Park men looking for their first win of the season on Saturday.

Heriot’s Blues v Edinburgh Academical FC – Goldenacre, KO 3pm

It’s derby day in the capital as the Blues host Accies at Goldenacre.

Looking at last weekend, Heriot’s away game to Kelso saw them come back from 21-12 at half time to draw the match and seal a bonus point with four tries scored through Paul Christie (2), Innes Hill and Malachy Keough.

Edinburgh Accies have continued to impress, securing another bonus point win last Saturday, scoring six tries, including a hattrick through scrumhalf Patrick Richie, who made is Accies debut in Round 1.

National 1

Ayr play host to Dundee this weekend following on from their narrow victory against Biggar last Saturday (34-36) whilst Melrose travel to Biggar following a bumper 68-7 win against GHK last weekend.

GHA host Highland at Braidholm this Saturday, with GHA looking to bounce back from their 22-15 loss to Gala last week.

Last weekend Gala emerged triumphant at home beating GHA 22-15, and this weekend they travel to GHK.

Watsonians welcome Glasgow Accies to Myreside as they regroup from their 41-0 loss to Highland last week, whilst Accies look to add to their 24-11 win over Dundee.

All five games kick off at 3pm.