Tennent’s Women’s Premiership Preview | 12 & 13 November

There are just three full rounds of competition left in the regular league before we reach the play-offs, so it really is all to play for.

Kicking things off this weekend, Heriot’s Blues will host Hillhead Jordanhill at Goldenacre.

This fixture might feel rather familiar, and that’s because these two sides first met this season last weekend, where Blues narrowly came out on top with the win (15-19).

However, having secured the losing bonus point last week, Hills have managed to keep the Blues out of a coveted play-off spot on points difference. But can they maintain this position this weekend?

Heriot’s Blues Head Coach, Lucy Brown is certainly hopeful her side can edge another win and move up the table standings, with some exciting talent in the squad, saying: “We’re looking forward to hosting Hills this weekend after what was a competitive game last week. We’ve focused on key areas that will help us going into the game.

“I’m looking forward to seeing Anne Young make her debut after being involved in the Rugby World Cup who will add to an already skilful squad, and our young scrum-half Hannah Dunnett will be starting after impressing us over the last few weeks.”

Whilst Heriot’s enjoyed the illation of last weekend’s win, for Hills captain Debbie Lee, the emotions were quite different.

“Last weeks loss was a tough one to take so we’ll definitely be looking to right some wrongs”, said Lee, who plays Number Eight for the Glasgow side.

“We know we did some things really well last weekend so this week we just need the full package.

“We welcomed the ‘No Woman No Try’ Amazon Prime documentary tour to our club last night where we heard some truly inspirational stories from across the women’s game, and that has really motivated us even more ahead of tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”

Heriot’s Blues v Hillhead Jordanhill – Goldenacre, KO 2pm

On Sunday it’s Edinburgh derby day as Cougars take on Watsonians.

Last weekend Watsonians were unable to field a team for this fixture and so Cougars were awarded a 28-0 win, so this weekend’s match sees both teams go slightly into the unknown against each other.

Aiming to bounce back from the disappointment of last weekend, Watsonians Head Coach Bruce Riddell said: “We’re excited to get back into action this week against a Cougars side who are always a hard team to play against. We’ve had a good week of training and the team are certainly ready for the challenge.

“Charlotte Runcie and Sophie Anderson return to the pack, adding pace and power to the back row, while Rachel Law has recovered from injury and will start at scrum-half.

“We may well need to win our remaining three games to qualify for the play-offs and that demands a big performance on Sunday.”

Looking ahead to the contest, Eric Jones, Head Coach at Cougars said: “With no 2XV game this week and some impressive performances from players in the 2’s last week we’ve had a few tough decisions to make for this game.

“We’ve chosen a squad that we think will be able to win the game and take us a step closer to ensuring we are in the Premiership play-offs come January. We know that Watsonians will have similar ambitions so we know it’s going to be a tough game at Myreside.”

Watsonian FC v Corstorphine Cougars – Myreside, KO 11am

Garioch’s tie with Stirling County has been awarded a 28-0 in favour of the hosts with Garioch unable to field a team through injuries.

Stirling currently trail ahead at the top of the league, with their play-off spot secured.

Tennent’s National 1 takes a break this weekend and will return next week.