Women’s Premiership Preview | Round 13
24 Nov 2023We're into the penultimate week of Women's Premiership rugby for the 2023/24 season. Here's how Round 13 shapes up.
STIRLING, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 28: Stirling's Ceitidh Ainsworth misses a second half conversion during a Tennent's Women's Premiership final between Stirling County and Corstorphine Cougars at Bridgehaugh, on January 28, 2023, in Stirling, Scotland. (Photo by Ewan Bootman / SNS Group) Heriot’s Blues v Watsonian FC – Goldenacre, KO 2pm
It’s Edinburgh derby day as Heriot’s Blues welcome Watsonians to Goldenacre.
Heriot’s have found form in the last five weeks of the Premiership, recording back-to-back wins. Last weekend the beat fellow capital contenders, Cougars with a 24-17 win at home.
Watsonians were out of action last week as Stewartry forfeited the game.
In their last meeting, Watsonians secured the win, 25-12, and have continued to be unbeaten this season.
A win for Watsonians this weekend will guarantee them as the hosts in the Final on Saturday 16 December.
Prior to the game this weekend, Blues co-captain, Giselle Chicot said: “Saturday is a big game for us. We know Watsons are a smart and physical side, but since meeting them last our game strategy has developed and we are a lot more confident within our own abilities and our game plan, especially after last week’s great win against Cougars.
“We hope to bring that same confidence against Watsons, and put on a great show for the home crowd.”
Bruce Millar, Watsonians Head Coach said: “We’ve been fortunate with player availability again this week and have been able to pick a very strong squad. We’re fresh after a week off and excited for what is always a competitive Edinburgh derby.
“A win would ensure a home Premiership final but we’re under no illusions about how tough this will be against a Heriot’s side who have won their last five games.”
Hillhead Jordanhill v Stewartry Sirens – Hughenden, KO 2pm
Hills play host this weekend as they welcome Stewartry Sirens to Hughenden in their penultimate game of the season.
Last weekend Hills secured a bonus point win on the road with a 19-63 win against Garioch. In their 10-try spectacle, winger Sonia Smolina shone, bagging a hattrick for the Glasgow side.
After forfeiting their fixture to Watsonians last weekend, Stewartry are back on the pitch this weekend as they look to some newer members to step up on Saturday.
In their previous head-to-head, Hills took a 5-46 win.
Looking ahead to the game, Hills captain Hannah Telling said: “We’re really excited to welcome Stewartry to Hughenden this weekend after playing away to Castle Douglas on our three previous meetings. They’re a strong team ball in hand but we’re looking forward to meeting them head on in what should be a really entertaining match.”
Stewartry’s interim Head Coach, Ali Lamb said: “The Sirens put in one of their best attacking performances against Herriot’s, narrowly missing a try bonus point two weeks ago, since then injury and sickness have taken their toll on a lean squad.
“Despite the return of a couple of key names, three of the regular starting XV are still out of action. Sirens will be looking to their developing squad members to continue to step up and bring the game to an in-form Hillhead Jordanhill. The Sirens coaching team see this an opportunity to build depth in the squad to continue their improvement trajectory through to the end of the league season.”
Stirling County v Garioch – Bridgehaugh, KO 2pm
County trail league leaders, Watsonians by just eight points in the table and provided they can put in a winning performance this weekend, would be set for a place in the Premiership Final.
Last weekend Stirling secured a bonus-point win over Cartha with a 0-76 win at Dumbreck, whilst Garioch suffered another defeat to Hillhead Jordanhill.
Speaking ahead of the game, County Head Coach, Mark Ainsworth said: “We look forward to welcoming Garioch to Bridgehaugh on Saturday. We go into this game on the back of some good results based on hard work and maintaining the high standards we set ourselves.
“Saturday will be no different in that we need to be playing to the best of our abilities to give ourselves the chance of winning.”
Corstorphine Cougars v Cartha Queens Park
This fixture has been awarded as a 28-0 to Cougars with Cartha unable to fulfil the game.
