Week 10 Preview
Once again struck down by the lurgy.
So much so that although I managed the Warriors game I missed the Hawks match on the Saturday and a much needed win against Hawick.

Unfortunately GHA continued their poor run against Melrose and Ayr fell to a Muir side which continues to runaway with the league. Saturday sees the first City derby of the season with GHA hosting Hawks. Remember if you are going to a club match all games kick off at 2.00 pm.

Premier One

GHA v Glasgow Hawks
I saw GHA 2 weeks ago and they were within a Noonan penalty from beating Muir, losing a last gasp penalty to make the margin flatter the Edinburgh side. GHA are playing an effective but limited 10 man game at the moment and if you had Noonan at Out-half you'd probably play it that way as well.

Hawks are ahead of the strugglers in the league due in large part to their bonus points, but this is masking a side which is really struggling to put it's best game together. The Hawks pack will have to do better if they are to avoid a defeat in this derby and I think GHA will shade it.

Ayr v Melrose
Ayr host second placed Rose. Melrose have only lost once since their opening defeat to Muir who are unbeaten, that was in the unpredictable environment of
a border derby against Hawick. I can't see Ayr changing that stat. Melrose to win.

Premier Two

Hamilton v West of Scotland
First of two Glasgow derbies in Prem2. It's a must win for West if they are to maintain their challenge for promotion. West's home defeat to Biggar allowed their rivals to pull even in the league and allowed Selkirk to establish themselves as clear 2nd place. With Hamilton falling foul on the trip to Aberdeen last week, West have to add to the pain if the challenge is to go on.

Hillhead-Jordanhill v Cartha QP
Hills sit in splendid isolation without a win in 8 games. The derby game is supposed to give a possibility of an upset but not today. CQP should take 5 points.

Biggar v Musselburgh
Musselburgh are only marginally better placed than Hills. Biggar must run away with this one.

This article was posted on 3-Nov-2007, 08:43 by Hugh Barrow.