Week 3 Preview
Posted by Editor on September 12, 2007 06:44 PM | No comments | Print | E-mail author


GHA take on Heriot's at Braidholm
Well the coverage of club games almost disappeared on Sunday and Monday morning and I have real concerns that when RWC 07 finishes we won’t get the space back.
So far in the RWC both Argentinian games have been thrilling encounters and fair play to Portugal, Canada and Namibia who really seemed to have a go at traditional strong nations.

I was very disappointed about the way Scotland’s phase play seemed to constantly break down due to poor ball skills. However, I digress.

Week 3 of the Scottish Hydro-Electric League is here so let’s look at the games. I noticed on one of the editorial reports that someone asked if it was possible to look at National league teams. Due to time constraints, having to work, sleep and drink it’s not possible to keep up with these leagues. However if anyone wishes to make a contribution about these leagues you should contact the editor or one of his lovely assistants…

Premier One

Ayr v Watsonians
Ayr had a late try to thank for their draw at Stirling County last week but remain in a strong position to challenge for the title. If they are to mount such a challenge then this is a must-win game, with Sonians already dropping points in Hawick I back Ayr to send them packing. Both sides are capable of tries so it could be tight with a few bonus points kicking about.

GHA v Heriot's
Heriot's won a tight game with Hawick which had Jim Hay moaning about poaching of players. Well let’s be honest the only time a Borderer isn’t moaning is when they are asleep. Their previous draw against Accies has been put into sharp relief by Melrose thumping Scotland’s first club last week and certainly it would appear that Heriot's aren’t as much of a force, however GHA appear to be well out of their depth and sadly I think it’ll be a third thumping for the sooside boys in as many Saturdays.

Melrose v Glasgow Hawks
Hawks need to take a hard look at themselves and ask what they want out of this season. The loss to Muir was completely avoidable and was down to dropped balls, intercepted passes and a lack of discipline on the ball. A sin-binning in the first half didn’t help. On a positive note these are things that Hawks are easily capable of improving on quickly with a talented squad.

Rose hammered Edinburgh Accies last week at The Greenyards but Hawks have had a good record in the Borders in the last few years and I think they’ll manage a narrow win.

Premier Two

Hillhead-Jordanhill v Hamilton
A third derby in a row for Hills and having been “nilled” by Biggar posting or pasting 62 points was a sore one last week, and left Hills still looking for a first win.

Hamilton are similarly looking for a first win but I think home advantage will see Hills through, but it’ll be a low scoring affair.

Haddington v West
Haddington had an impressive win at Aberdeen Grammar last week a place where few sides gather points. Along with their opening win they have a perfect 10 from two games leading the division.

West have had an impressive start with an especially impressive win against Kelso, however, whilst they should play well in this match from the limited reports I’ve seen, Haddington should pick up 5 points.

Kelso v Biggar
Biggar scored 31 points in each half on Saturday whilst hammering Hills, both symmetrical and devastating.

Kelso fell victim to an excellent West win which and will fall victim to bigger Biggar who are only a bonus point behind Haddington.

Jed v Cartha QP
Cartha bounced back from a defeat by Haddington in week 1 to run amok against Stew-Mel. But Riverside Park is a difficult place to play no matter how good Jed are or where they sit in the league. Jed should win this comfortably after beating Musselburgh last week.

Premier Three

Peebles v Ardrossan Accies
Peebles lost last week to Dunfermline at home and face a vigorous Accies side who have so far made a mockery of my view that they would struggle. Sitting on top of the league Accies should win here but may not take a familiar try bonus.

Dunfermline v Irvine
Dunfermline beat the Kirkcaldy side which disposed of Irvine last week with ease, more of the same this week as Fife beats Ayrshire for the 2nd week on the trot.

This article was posted on 13-Sep-2007, 13:09 by Hugh Barrow.