Women: Hillhead travel to Cartha in BT Premier League on the eve of 21st anniversary

Women: Hillhead travel to Cartha in BT Premier League on the eve of 21st anniversary

This weekend will be pleasantly busy for BT Women’s Premier League leaders Hillhead Jordanhill as they honour their 21st anniversary and travel to Dumbreck to play Cartha Queen’s Park Women in a Glasgow derby on Friday night at 7:30pm.On Saturday at Hillhead Sports Club, the Glasgow side will celebrate their 21st anniversary with a lunch and presentation at 1pm before their BT National Division 2 men’s section kick off against Kirkcaldy at 3pm. ‘Hilljills’, as their women section is commonly nicknamed, were established in 1995 and have since risen through the leagues: winning the Scottish Premier League for the first time in 2010/11 then again in 2013/14, and claimed both the league and Sarah Beaney cup title in 2012/13.As one of the top women’s rugby teams in Scotland, it comes as little surprise that they are home to Scotland’s first full-time professional female rugby player, Jade Konkel.The Glasgow player has become a Hills figurehead on account of her contribution to the club, holding the captaincy position last season alongside her achievements in Scottish women’s rugby.  To mark the anniversary there will be a presentation made to Konkel, and founder member of the Hillhead women Betty Stewart, along with current player Lizzie Willis (also part of the first ever women’s team), will speak and accept commemorative photo collages on behalf of the ladies’ section from Club President Andy Scott.  When asked about Konkel’s impact on Hillhead’s women’s team, head coach Dean Kelbrick, said: “She has definitely created a bit of buzz around the club, everyone is very proud of her achievements and it shows that hard work pays off. She’s been working with the newer players and the younger age groups, which is great and provides them with a role model who is actively engaged in her club.”The women’s game in Scotland is fast growing which is down to more investment and focus being given to help clubs and women get involved in women’s rugby, and Konkel’s story emphasises this.Kelbrick added: “Her attitude is spot on and she wants to drive the women’s game forward, and her full employment is just a part of that process.”Before Hillhead can begin their birthday bash though, the girl’s head over to Dumbreck to take on Cartha Queen’s Park Ladies who host their first home game of the 2016/17 season.Whilst Hills have two games under their belt, Cartha Queens have only played one match so far which they won away from home to Ayr 19-5.Last season Cartha finished fifth out of the six teams competing in the top BT women’s league, but this year there are eight after Ayr and Stewartry were promoted from BT Women’s National Division 1, giving them a better opportunity to secure a higher placing this time around.Despite their recent victory away from home, the Queens know from experience that the home advantage is no guarantee against teams with records like Hillhead, as Cartha lost 0-69 at home and 66-7 away last season to them.However, Cartha are currently fourth in the table ahead of Ayr, Stirling County, Stewartry and Melrose who have yet to secure league points.Although Hillhead have secured two consecutive bonus point wins so far, it has been their ability to keep a clean sheet that has been significant in the season’s opening weeks – both Stewartry and Stirling County were unable score any points against the fortress that is the Hilljills’ defence.Kelbrick said: “A huge emphasis for us over preseason was our transition from attack to defence…the girls recognise the need to work equally hard in both aspects of the game, and with a focus on this in the past few weeks they are developing this part of the game well.”Hillhead have simultaneously managed to rack up the points and Kelbrick noted the girls’ ability to play an expansive and high tempo game – the type of rugby they enjoy playing. Regardless though he believes that scoring points is just as important as ensuring your opponents don’t have the opportunity to score.It doesn’t matter how many points you score if you concede just as many, or more.”All BT Women’s Premier League matches are being played on Friday night this weekend.Stirling County host their second home game of the season at Bridgehaugh and welcome Sunday’s high scorers RHC Cougars who conquered Ayr 91-5.BT Women’s National Division 1 league champions Ayr still look to prove themselves as they play Stewartry, hoping for a repeat of last season where they defeated them 31-12 at home, as both recently promoted teams battle it out for their first BT Premier league win.Melrose have had to pull out of their match at home against Murrayfield Wanderers and will look to be rescheduled.Clubs from the BT Women’s National 1 and 2 leagues will also continue their respective seasons this weekend. For a full list of fixtures, visit scottishrugby.org.     

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