Sarah Beaney Cup – Watsonians return to action

So far in Pool A, the Edinburgh side have won two from two completed matches and know that a victory this weekend would see them leapfrog Cartha Queens Park into top spot.

Standing in their way at Duffus Park will be Howe Harlequins who have lost two from two to date but are enjoying testing themselves against topflight sides.

Ahead of the trip to Cupar, Watsonians head coach Freddie Main said: “After the frustration of last week’s game being called off due to the weather, it’s vital we get a game under our belts this week.

“The players continue to impress with their level of focus and commitment at training and we are hopeful of giving all available players some decent game time against Howe.

“Captain Isla Craigie will ensure her players are prepared and ready for the challenge that the Fife team will pose.

“We welcomed Casey Homewood to the club this week when she arrived from Australia and we expect to see her feature in the back-row at some point alongside the likes of Al King, Lucy Winter, Emily Cotterill and Alison Orr.

“It would be amazing for International Women’s Day if the sun stayed shining for the match and both teams could get a good run out.”

That is the only Cup fixture this weekend, but there are also National Plate and Bowl clashes taking place.

On Saturday morning in the Plate, Greenock Wanderers make the trip to Shetland.

That is a Pool A game and later on the same day the section’s leaders Broughton host Inverness Craig Dunain in Edinburgh.

Both sides are unbeaten to date, so it should be an exciting match. Broughton skipper Morven Murray-Forsyth said: “Broughton are excited to welcome Inverness Craig Dunain to Wardie on Saturday for our last pool game, in what’s been a competitive and exciting pool so far.

“Inverness Craig Dunain are new opponents for Broughton which brings excitement to the fixture and we are aiming for four wins out of four after this top of the table clash.”

Cat Knott from Inverness Craig Dunain said: “After being thwarted again by the weather last weekend, the club are looking forward to an away game down south.

“We have had a few issues with unavailability due to rearrangements, but vice-captain Gwyn Howard will be stepping up to captain the team this weekend and will be leading by example after her outstanding efforts in the home game against Shetland.

“The players who are travelling are looking forward to the challenge.”

Sunday sees Oban Lorne play Kelso in Pool B.

In the Bowl, Pool D leaders Stornoway kick-off the weekend against Hamilton on Saturday morning.

There are five games scheduled for Sunday including Lismore against Strathmore in Pool B, the former keen to make it two wins from two.

Scotland Women and clubs across the country are in action this weekend, support the teams by watching or heading along to a fixture to mark International Women’s Day. View upcoming fixtures online including all Cup matches and the Scotland Women’s test against France on Saturday in the Women’s Six Nations.

Photo credit: Broughton by Mark Brown