BOROUGHMUIR AIM FOR CUP FINAL RETURN AS HAWKS GO FOR LEAGUE DOUBLE

Boroughmuir are hoping for a return to Murrayfield for the final of the BT Cup after a four year absence, however BT Premiership Division One rivals Ayr stand in their way. The sides will meet in the semi-final tomorrow (Saturday 2 April) at Meggetland (3pm).

Tomorrow’s home side won the Cup in both 2000 and in 2001, beating Glasgow Hawks 35-10 and Melrose 39-15 respectively. They were also beaten finalists in 1997, losing to the Greenyards men 31-23.

On the other hand, tomorrow’s visitors to Meggetland have not yet experienced the spills and thrills of BT Cup finals day in the home of Scottish Rugby. With possible relegation from BT Premiership Division One hanging over them, the Ayrshire outfit will be keen to finish the season on a notable high.

The sides have met twice so far in the league with each taking victory on home turf. In early October, Ayr hosted Boroughmuir at Millbrae and took the game 19-5 but in the return fixture at Meggetland Boroughmuir ran out 34-10 victors in mid February.

Naivety may suggest that by looking at those statistics Boroughmuir should be favourites but the cup is renowned for producing upsets. Glasgow Hawks know this only too well as this season in round five they fell to Currie at Malleny Park having lifted the trophy last year.

With hopes of retaining the cup gone, Hawks are left to concentrate on obtaining a league double by beating Hawick tomorrow at Mansfield Park in their rescheduled BT Premiership Division One encounter.

The Glaswegians need just three points to put them out of reach of Heriot’s, who are not playing this weekend. If Hawks lose to Hawick, further chances await as they still have three outstanding matches to play in the coming weeks.

This article was posted on 1-Apr-2005, 10:14 by Hugh Barrow.