THE SCOTSMAN REPORTS

Derby double as rivals clash in National Cup semi-finals
THE draw for the National Cup semi-finals at Murrayfield yesterday threw up two mouth-watering local derbies.

Boroughmuir will travel to Edinburgh Accies while West of Scotland will host Glasgow Hawks at Burnbrae. The ties are scheduled to take place on Saturday 21 April.

West of Scotland coach John Beattie and Boroughmuir openside flanker Angus Martyn made the draw. West have secured promotion from Premier Division 3 and accounted for Kelso and Dundee HSFP on their cup run, and Beattie said: "It's a hugely interesting draw and very scary too.

"To play against Hawks is one of those mountains to climb because they have a hugely talented pool of players and they're fit but we're just going to go out and have a bit of fun."

Edinburgh Accies, who have won promotion to the top flight and ousted Currie and Hawick from the competition, face the three-times cup winners. Martyn said: "Edinburgh Accies are a strong side but won't stand in our way, we're favourites and really should be looking forward to Murrayfield in May."

The 28-year-old added: "If you want to win the cup you have to be prepared to beat any team."

The draw for the National Shield pits Garnock or Marr against Ardrossan Accies or Cumbernauld, and Musselburgh or the winner between Falkirk and Dalziel to play either Annan or Irvine. The catch up ties are to be played this Saturday.

National Cup semi-finals: Edinburgh Accies v Boroughmuir (21 April).

National Shield semi-finals: Garnock or Marr v Ardrossan Accies or Cumbernauld; Falkirk or Dalziel or Musselburgh v Annan or Irvine (catch-up ties due to be played this Saturday are: Garnock v Marr; Ardrossan Accies v Cumbernauld; Falkirk v Dalziel; and Annan v Irvine).

National Bowl semi-finals: Dumfries v Glenrothes or East Kilbride; Hillfoots or Waysiders Drumpellier v Kilmarnock or Morgan Academy FP

National Plate semi-finals: GHK v Ross Sutherland; Aberdeen University v Crieff or Strathearn.

(Finals Day on Saturday 5 May).

This article was posted on 11-Apr-2007, 06:53 by Hugh Barrow.