Tennent’s Women’s Premiership Preview | 29 October

Kick-starting this weekend’s action, Stirling County host Watsonians at Bridgehaugh.

This fixture now becomes a top of the table clash after Watsonians leapt into second place following their dominant performance over Heriot’s Blues last weekend (43-5).

County and Watsonians last met in September, where County secured the win with a last-minute try (14-17). With both teams displaying impressive form throughout the season so far, this game will no doubt provide more excitement.

Looking ahead to the match, Mark Ainsworth, Stirling County Head Coach said: “Watsonians are coming off an impressive victory over Heriot’s and I anticipate a stiff challenge. Our first game against them at Myreside could have gone either way and I don’t see this game being any different.”

Watsonians Head Coach, Bruce Millar also expects another close encounter, saying: “Another good performance saw us achieve back-to-back wins for the first time this season and we’re keen to keep building momentum. However, we couldn’t have a tougher task than a visit to league leaders Stirling County and we’ll have to be at our best defensively tomorrow.

“In the pack, Sarah Donnelly returns from injury and the versatile Kaeli King switches to number 8, while one change in the backline sees Mary Nelson return from injury to start on the wing.”

Stirling County v Watsonians FC – Bridgehaugh, KO 11am

In Edinburgh, it’s derby day as Corstorphine Cougars take on Heriot’s Blues.

Cougars have enjoyed a streak of four wins since their one and only defeat of the season which was at the hands of the Blues (22-12).

The hosts currently sit third in the table just one point behind Watsonians with a game in hand. So, the outcome of this match along with the aforementioned fixture could see Cougars move further up the table.

Cougars head Coach, Eric Jones said: “It’ll be good to get back to Union Park after three games on the road. We’ll not be underestimating Heriot’s despite their loss last week to Watsonians.

“We obviously lost to them at Goldenacre early in the season, so we’ll be looking to reverse that result.”

Lucy Brown, Head Coach of Heriot’s Blues said: “After a tough day at the office last weekend, the squad have pulled together to focus for the fixture with Cougars, which will be another physical game.

“We’ve lost a couple of players due to injury but it’s great to see Megan Taylor back in action this week as well as our young centre Morven Thomson, who I know are both eager to get on the pitch. It’s also an exciting game for one of our other young players, Hannah Dunnet who will be making her Heriot’s debut.”

Corstorphine Cougars v Heriot’s Blues – Union Park, KO 2pm

It continues to be a challenge for Garioch in their inaugural season in the Premiership, and they will be hoping to turn things around this weekend against Cartha Queen’s Park.

These two sides have yet to meet as their previous fixture, schedule back in September, saw Cartha awarded a 28-0 win with Garioch’s squad hit by injuries.

Garioch v Cartha Queen’s Park – Kellands Park, KO 2pm

Tennent’s National 1 will take a week off, but will return on Sunday 6 November.