Men’s Premiership | Round 2 Preview

HAWICK, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 18: Kelso's Frankie Robson during the Men's Premiership Launch at Mansfield Park, on August 18, 2023, in Hawick, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Devlin / SNS Group)

Marr v Hawick – Fullarton Park, KO 3pm

After suffering a last-minute defeat to Heriot’s Blues, Marr will be hoping to secure a home win this weekend as they host title defenders, Hawick.

There are plenty of experienced heads in the Marr team with Fraser Grant, Colin Sturgeon, Conor Bickerstaff and Scott Bickerstaff all in the starting line-up.

Jake Jacobson will also be one to watch after he scored twice in last weekend’s clash against Heriot’s Blues.

Experience is not lacking in Hawick’s team either, as club centurion and captain Shawn Muir takes his place as starting loosehead. The skipper bagged himself two second half tries last weekend against Hawks and will undoubtedly look to provide attacking threat this weekend.

Contributing 12 of Hawick’s 27 points from the boot last weekend, vice-captain Kirk Ford also starts for Hawick at full-back.

Currie Chieftains v Jed-Forest – Malleny Park, KO 3pm

This weekend’s hosts Currie Chieftains impressed in their league opening against Selkirk last week with a bonus point win on the road (17-47).

Charlie Brett and Cameron Gray were just two of the standouts from the squad, with Brett contributing 12 points from the boot and Gray scoring a brace. Both Brett and Gray are in the starting line up for Currie this weekend and will be ones to watch on Saturday.

This weekend Currie are at home taking on Jed-Forest, looking to add another win.

For Jed, last weekend ended in defeat to Edinburgh Accies despite a spirited performance and two second half tries from Lewis Young and Jamie Hynd. This weekend will be a chance to right some wrongs.

Edinburgh Academical FC v Musselburgh – Raeburn Place, KO 3pm

Edinburgh Accies play host to Musselburgh at Raeburn Place this weekend.

Accies got their Premiership campaign off on excellent footing last weekend with a six try spectacle on the road. Winning away is a goal of which Accies Finlay Simpson said was real importance to the Edinburgh side this season.

Musselburgh on the other hand were tested at home last week by Kelso, who took the East Lothian side to a draw in their Premiership debut. The hosts narrowed the score to a draw with a late try from Sandy Watt and conversion from Danny Owenson.

It has been quite some time since these two sides last met, where in January this year Accies carved out a 28-5 win.

Glasgow Hawks v Selkirk – Balgray, KO 3pm

Glasgow Hawks had a tall order taking on last season’s champions in Round 1.

Despite going down 27-0 into the second half, the visitors added two tries and conversion in the final 20 minutes and shut down Hawick’s chances as a bonus point try.

Hawks will play host to Selkirk this weekend, who are also looking for their first win of the season after a hefty defeat against Currie last weekend.

In their previous meetings last season, Selkirk took the win on both occasions but were tested by the Hawks, so this weekend’s fixture will no doubt provide an entertaining battle.

Kelso v Heriot’s Blues – Poynder Park, KO 3pm

Although not the win they were hoping for, it was a strong first showing for Kelso in the Premiership as they drew against Musselburgh last weekend.

Andy Tait proved to be a great threat against Musselburgh, scoring a brace, and will be one to watch this weekend.

Heriot’s Blues also found themselves in an enthralling battle last weekend against Marr, which saw the Blues nudge themselves over the line in the dying minutes of the game when Danieal Tomanek scored for the home side, with stand-off Kenta Kutsuna adding the extras.

This weekend Kelso will host their first Premiership game at Poynder Park, welcoming the Edinburgh side to the Borders.

National Division 1

There are five fixtures to look forward to this weekend in National 1.

Biggar host Ayr as they look to claim their first win of the season after a narrow 32-31 loss to GHK.

Gala will welcome GHA to Netherdale as they look to regroup from their 69-17 loss against Watsonians in Round 1.

Glasgow Accies take on Dundee as they look to bounce back from their 62-11 defeat to Ayr.

Highland host Watsonian FC in Inverness as they look to add a second win to their roster.

Finally, Melrose host GHK at the Greenyards with Melrose looking to improve after their 42-26 loss to GHA last weekend.