Women’s Premiership | Round 4 Preview

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - JULY 28: Hill's Hannah Telling is pictured ahead of the 2023/24 Women's Tennent's Premiership season at the West of Scotland RFC, on July 28, 2023, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

Stirling County v Corstorphine Cougars – Bridgehaugh, KO 1pm

It’s a repeat of last year’s Premiership final as Stirling County host Corstorphine Cougars at Bridgehaugh.

The fixture doubles up with Stirling County men’s home fixture against Berwick in National Division 2, which kicks off at 3pm.

After three rounds of competition, just one table point separates the two sides.

County were taken right to the wire last weekend in their fixture against Hills, edging out the win by three points (31-34) with captain Rachel Cox and Samaather Taganekurukuru both scoring a brace of tries in the game.

Last weekend, Cougars returned to their winning form defeating Stewartry 68-0 at Union Park. Emily Mullen and Rheo Laurenson both shone, scoring two tries each out of the 10 scored with stand-off Hannah Ramsay impressing from the boot with eight conversions.

Looking ahead to this weekend, Cougars Head Coach Eric Jones said: “We’re hoping to back up our performance from last week where we were a bit more clinical than our games against Hills. This will be important as Stirling won’t give us too many chances during the game.

“Selection has been tough this week, there was an argument for everyone on the bench starting, however, it means we have great options to bring on during the game including Hannah Ramsay who is impressing every week she plays, despite only having played two full matches at Senior rugby.

“We’ve had some excellent games against Stirling over the last few seasons and we expect the same from Mark’s (Ainsworth) players this time around.”

Cartha Queens Park v Hillhead Jordanhill – Dumbreck, KO 2pm

It’s a Glasgow derby this weekend as Cartha Queens Park host Hillhead Jordanhill at Dumbreck.

It’s been something of a tricky start for the hosts having lost 46-7 last weekend to Watsonians and forfeiting in Round 2 to Heriot’s Blues through injury but Cartha will be looking to return to their winning ways of Round 1 this weekend.

Hillhead Jordanhill have so far proved to a force to be reckoned with this season, coming within three points of last season’s champions, Striling County, last weekend and edging out a 5-12 victory over Corstorphine Cougars the previous week.

Garioch v Watsonian FC – Kellands Park, KO 1pm

Garioch play host to table leaders, Watsonians, this weekend.

In Rounds 1 and 3, Bruce Millar’s side have scored a plethora of tries with the likes of Rachel Philipps and Shannon Macey leading on the scores.

It’s been a tough start for the Aberdeenshire side who have yet to win a game despite coming close in Round 2 against Stewartry.

Captain Sammy Ross said: “We had a difficult game against a good Heriot’s team last week. Naturally, we’re disappointed in our play, and we know we’ll need to improve this weekend taking on Watsonians.”

Laura Keay scores for Garioch against Heriot’s Blues (Photo credit: Gareth Falls)