Tennent’s Men’s Premiership and National League Division 1 2022/23 | Saturday 24 September Preview

Tennent’s Men’s Premiership – Saturday 24 September

The Bill McLaren Shield is up for grabs at Mansfield Park as Hawick host Heriot’s Blues.

Hawick head into their fourth defence of the Shield and would qualify to have their name engraved on it once more should they avoid defeat.

Hawick Forwards Coach Lewis Bertram said: “We’ve had an excellent weeks training this week. The guys have worked really hard to kick on and keep improving areas of our performance.

“Despite a cracking win at Accies last weekend, we all still feel we are yet to put a level of performance in that is close to where we know we can play. It’s a massive part of our team ethos that every time the boys pull on that Hawick jersey they play with pride and put in a performance that the town can be proud of. Especially when playing at home and even more so defending the Bill McLaren Shield.

“Last time we played at home, against Selkirk, we fell short of that and we will be looking to make amends on Saturday and make sure We retain the shield in a convincing manner. Heriots will be coming down to Mansfield desperate to get their first win of the season on the board and will provide a really tough challenge. They have some excellent backs and will move the ball extremely well, so defensively we will really have to be on our game.”

Heriot’s Blues Head Coach Phil Smith said: “While the results have gone against so far this season, the spirits remain high amongst the squad.

“A trip to Hawick means we can’t afford to switch off, and the chance to return with silverware, in the shape of the Bill McLaren Shield, is giving the boys an extra focus.”

Hawick v Heriot’s Blues – Mansfield Park, 3pm

League leaders Currie Chieftains host GHA.

Currie are the only team who boast a 100% record this season, winning their three games with try bonus points.

GHA will be looking to bounce back after a 33-12 defeat to Marr last time out.

Currie Chieftains v GHA – Maleny Park, 3pm

Second placed Edinburgh Academical travel to third placed Selkirk.

The hosts are still unbeaten after two wins and a draw.

Accies suffered their first defeat of the season last weekend at the hands of Hawick.

Selkirk v Edinburgh Academical – Philiphaugh, 3pm

Fourth placed Glasgow Hawks host sixth placed Marr.

Hawks won an entertaining game 31-29 away to Jed-Forest last weekend.

Marr were also winners on the road, defeating GHA 33-12.

Glasgow Hawks v Marr – Balgray, 3pm

It’s 8th v 9th as Jed-Forest host Musselburgh.

Both sides will be looking for a first win of the season after starting with three defeats.

Jed-Forest v Musselburgh – Riverside Park

Tennent’s Men’s National League Division 1 – Saturday 24 September

Aberdeen Grammar will be looking for a first win of the season when they host Stirling County.

Ayr could leapfrog Melrose when the sides meet at Millbrae.

Biggar host Kelso with both sides able to reach the league summit with a win should other results go their way.

Highland could also go top with a win away to GHK.

Gala currently hold top spot, and will look to keep it that way with a win away to Dundee.

And in an Edinburgh derby, Watsonians host Stewart’s Melville at Myreside.

This week, Ayr v Melrose kicks off at 2.30pm, with all other fixtures starting at 3pm.