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BT Cup, Shield and Bowl



Ayr are a handful at Millbrae Well the Six Nations takes a back seat and here in Scotland we return to domestic matters with the Cup, Shield and Bowl.
Last weekend Hawks failed to take the title in a dour draw against an Aberdeen side determined not to concede the trophy on their midden. With Currie ensuring that there would be no Hawks in Murrayfield, for the second year on the trot, they get a break before facing Muir in a fortnight. So, who will be going to Murrayfield?

There are 4 Glasgow sides left in the Cup, 6 in the Shield and 3 in the Bowl, so let's see how they'll fare.

The BT National Cup


Ayr v Melrose
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Millbrae

This all premiership tie pitches two teams tied on points in the league. Where they should be safe from relegation. Now the cup can be different but this Ayr side demolished a resurgent Hawick, (sic) at Millbrae two weeks ago. At home Ayr have been dominant in so many ways mauling sides with ease, they should do well.

The arrival of young MacCallum at stand-off, a fortnight ago more than made up for future NASCAR champ Jimmy Noonan's destructive departure. With this in mind I think Ayr will win and have nothing to fear except an away draw in the next round where they will bottle it.


Prediction: Ayr by 15.


Boroughmuir v Cartha Queen's Parks
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Meggetland

The cup holders are at home to the second side in Premier 2. Muir don't have their troubles to seek, with Colleges making a late dash to save themselves, Muir are looking shifty, although a good win against Biggar last week showed some resolve.

CQP will not go up and so a trip to Murrayfield could be the reward they need to reward their efforts this season. I fancy this for an upset, although how upsetting it is when they could easily be in the same league next season is a moot point.


Prediction: CQP by 7.


Edinburgh University v GHA
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Peffermill

Despite struggling in Prem 2, GHAs hosts are struggling even more in Prem 3. This should be seen as a chance to build some team spirit and try and trounce the lower side.

If GHA are to think about rebuilding for a challenge next season then they must look to win this one.


Prediction: GHA by 20.


Heriots v Hillhead/Jordanhill
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Goldenacre

Unlucky Hills pick up this fixture against a side that are safe, can't win the league and, on their day, are class. Heriots will be looking to set out their stall and hammer a side who have found mid-table a bit of a struggle after a great year last season.

Goldenacre is a vast pitch and lower sides often struggle with the physical width of the pitch and the playing width of a side with only one last hope this season for some silverware.


Prediction: Heriots by 20.

The BT Shield


Greenock Wanderers v Dumfries
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Fort Mathilda

A district derby game. Last season Greenock lost out in the bowl final to Ardrossan Accies, somewhat unjustly I felt. Greenock are in National 1 and have struggled to make an impact sitting 7th after their promotion last year.

By contrast Dumfries are going great guns in National 4, topping their league having lost only one fixture this year. There is a substantial gulf between the two leagues which along with the men from Fort Matilda having home advantage should see them take a leap towards another trip to the National Stadium


Prediction: Wanderers by 10.


Garnock v Falkirk
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Lochshore

Garnock, despite lying third in National 2 have a difficult tie against Falkirk who are sitting at the top of National 3.

Home advantage should be key and hopefully we’ll see Garnock go through.


Prediction: Garnock by 7.


Kilmarnock v West of Scotland
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Bellsland

Another Glasgow District derby in the Shield. I thought West should have been clear favourites after they were knocked out by Ardrossan. A second trip to Ayrshire is not for the faint hearted and West can be that from time to time.

Truth be told Kilmarnock are a club in free fall and Bellslands boys are unlikely to cause more than the slightest of opposition to a west side who could easily win this at a canter.


Prediction: West by 35.


Langholm v Dalziel
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Milntown

Sitting side by side in National 1 there isn't much to choose between these sides. I tend to favour Langholm because of "hame" advantage. Also because I was told a story of a journalist who was down in the Borders to cover a schools cup competition, in which the final was between Langholm "A" and Langholm "B". both sides insisted on wearing the bright red of Langholm, presumably to hide the blood.


Prediction: Langholm by 7.

The BT Bowl


Highland v Marr
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Canal Park

It's a long way from Troon to Inverness, both in distance and in terms of the leagues between them. I can't see an upset here and Highland should win with ease.


Prediction: Highland by 14.


Stewartry v Morgan
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Greenlaw

At opposite ends of National 2 it is unlikely that the struggling Gatehouse of Fleet side will be able to lift their game to beat a side which is strolling to victory in the league.

Morgan tanned Glasgow Accies last week in the league and I expect much the same this weekend.


Prediction: Morgan by 20.


North Berwick v Newton Stewart
Saturday, 18th February 2006 at Recreation Park

Last but not least Newton Stewart, they may be struggling in National 3 but they should have the edge over a North Berwick who have done well to get this far.


Prediction: Newton Stewart by 20.

©Phall at glasgowwarriors.com

This article was posted on 16-Feb-2006, 08:59 by Hugh Barrow.