Teams prepare for Scottish Cup action

Holders Ayr make the trip to Mayfield to take on Dundee HSFP.

With their Super6 franchise the Ayrshire Bulls not starting their season until November, the Ayr Club XV team that travels has a fresh, but exciting look to it.

Captain Gregor Henry will look to lead well from the back-row while the experienced Jamie Bova is on the wing.

Ahead of the tie Dundee HSFP director of rugby Colin Sangster said: “We have had a good pre-season and the guys cannot wait to get the season going.

“We have a couple of experienced guys missing while the students are not back in the town yet, but I am looking forward to seeing how the squad does against a big club like Ayr.

“As a group we can’t worry about what sort of Club XV squad they will be bringing, we just have to focus on our own game and putting into practice the things we have been working on in training.”

Highland, who were beaten finalists in the National League Cup last season, host Watsonians at Canal Park.

Home head coach Davie Carson said: “The club has been on the up for the last few years now, on the pitch we have been getting some good results and the facilities we have are now superb.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Watsonians to our ground and we know that it will be a hard fought encounter.”

For the Watsonians Club XV teenage stand-off Chris Bell impressed on the Kings of the Sevens circuit last year and is one to watch while Chris Scott gives experience from No.8.

Musselburgh and Glasgow Hawks meet in an all-Tennent’s Premiership clash in East Lothian.

The hosts will be captained by former Scotland Sevens man Michael Maltman and their head coach Graeme Paterson stated: “The club is on a high at the moment having been promoted to the top flight and we see this Cup tie as a really good gauge to see where we are compared with clubs like Hawks.

“We have a good mix of youth and experience in the squad and it is always nice to start the season at home.”

His opposite number Andy Hill, who has named the experienced Gary Strain at tighthead and has Liam Brims at 10, said: “We have quite a few changes to our squad from last season, but the young guys who are in and around the first XV squad have really impressed me with their attitude and application.”

At Mansfield Park, Hawick host the Club XV of Melrose in what will be a full-blooded Borders derby.

Hawick captain Shawn Muir said: “We want to try and make Mansfield Park a tough place for teams to come and that starts this weekend.

“Our matches with Melrose are always competitive and I am looking forward to this one.”

Currie Chieftains host Biggar and Marr are on the road to Aberdeen Grammar on what should be a fascinating day of action.

This weekend’s Scottish Cup fixtures
Saturday, August 31 (all 3pm):

Musselburgh v Glasgow Hawks
Hawick v Melrose
Aberdeen Grammar v Marr
Highland v Watsonians
Dundee HSFP v Ayr
Currie Chieftains v Biggar
Musselburgh v Glasgow Hawks
Hawick v Melrose
Aberdeen Grammar v Marr