Women: BT Premier League welcomes Ayr and Stewartry

The BT Women’s Premier League kicks-off this weekend across the country, with an additional two teams joining the women’s top-flight club competition. The 2016/17 season will feature Ayr Ladies and Stewartry Women after both clubs gained promotion from BT Women’s National League Division 1.Ayr Ladies also enjoyed a successful 2015/16 season away from league competition, defeating Melrose in the quarter-finals of the Sarah Beaney Cup.Stewartry have enjoyed recent success at last weekend’s Queen of 10s tournament in Livingston, with the squad crowned overall winners of the event which presents a pre-season opportunity for women’s teams entering into the national leagues.Both Ayr and Stewartry are newly formed teams, who will be competing in BT Women’s National League Division 1 for the first time.Reigning champions Murrayfield Wanderers travel to Stirling County for their first round game, following an impressive 2015/16, in which they claimed the double with the Sarah Beaney Cup title.Wandies’ league rivals Hillhead Jordanhill will be on the road to newcomers Stewartry, while Ayr play host to Cartha Queen’s Park and RHC Cougars welcome Melrose to Edinburgh.BT Women’s National League Division 1 also returns this weekend, with Garioch Ladies (2015/16 BT Women’s Club of the Season) in action against Kirkcaldy.Glasgow University welcome Watsonians and Greenock Wanderers travel to face Aberdeenshire Quines (all from 2pm).BT Women’s Premier League 2016/17 opening weekendFriday 2 SeptemberAyr v Cartha Queen’s Park, 7.30pmSunday 4 SeptemberRHC Cougars v Melrose, 2pmStirling County v Murrayfield Wanderers, 2pmStewartry v Hillhead/Jordanhill, 2pm