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With the introduction of the Premiership clubs in the fourth round the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup has reached an exciting stage.
The fourth round also represents the first national stage of the competition following three regional rounds. With 29 fourth round games and two remaining third round games scheduled to take place tomorrow (Saturday, 16 February) across the country and with the Premiership teams facing potentially difficult away fixtures there's a chance of a few upsets.
In one of the possibly more romantic ties Premier Division 1 champions Boroughmuir will take on Cumbernauld of the West League Division 1. Whatever the final outcome is Cumbernaulds director of rugby and coach James McLaren was obviously already proud of what his club had achieved. He said: "It will be a tremendous experience and an honour for this club to host the champions. Of the 20 man squad weve selected 19 have come through our youth system, thats a real tribute to whats been built at this club. We were in Wales last week to support the national team and managed to meet some of the Club International players from Boroughmuir. Its a privilege for our young side to play against players of such a high standard."
The most northerly tie of the round sees Perthshire make the journey up the A9 to Inverness to take on Highland. Recognising that their opponents have had some good recent wins and will provide a tough challenge Highlands coach Hugh Mackintosh was still eagerly anticipating the game. He said: Its a difficult draw, anyone who beats Gala is a reasonable side but were looking forward to it. Well certainly give it a go and see how we do.
Mackintosh was also keen to see the style of rugby being played and felt this game may be one for fans to really enjoy. He added: Judging on what Ive heard we could be two similar teams. They play an open style of rugby and Im expecting both teams to go out there and look to score tries. Their favorites but who knows? May the best team win.
Undefeated at home, topping the Scottish Hydro Electric Caledonia League Division 1 and having scored over 200 points in the Cup so far this season Gordonians could provide tough opponents for Musselburgh. As with Highland, Gordonians are not underestimating the challenge of playing Premiership opponents. Club President Chris Snape said: Im not going to say we will win, logic says no we wont but anythings possible. Who knows whats going to happen in a rugby game. Weve got momentum and are in contention for promotion. This is a really good opportunity to test ourselves against a better team.
With the belief that an upset is at least possible Snape was keen to encourage supporters along to Countesswells for the match. He added: We want as many people to come as possible and really build a great atmosphere, we never charge for entry so it would be good to see people there.
SCOTTISH HYDRO ELECTRIC NATIONAL CUP
Ties to be played on Saturday 16 February 2008
Outstanding third round ties:
Crieff & Strathearn v Banff - Winners to play Stewart Melville FP on Saturday 23 February
Newton Stewart v Millbrae - Winners to play Watsonians on Saturday 23 February
Fourth Round:
Ross High v Cartha Queens Park
Forrester FP v Aberdeen GSFP
Gordonians v Musselburgh
Marr v Dunfermline
RHC v Haddington
Cambuslang v Kelso
Lasswade v Stirling County
Glasgow University v Berwick
Moray v Hawick
Hawick YM v West of Scotland
Garnock v Selkirk
Kilmarnock v Melrose
Ardrossan Academicals v Ayr
Aberdeenshire v Dundee HSFP
Irvine v Livingston
Murrayfield Wanderers v Gala
Broughton FP v Glasgow Hutchesons Aloysians
Highland v Perthshire
Cumbernauld v Boroughmuir
Whitecraigs v Biggar
East Kilbride v Peebles
Howe of Fife v Edinburgh Academicals
Falkirk v Hillhead/Jordanhill
Dumfries v Ellon
Annan v Jed-Forest
Morgan Academy FP v Kirkcaldy
Glasgow Academicals v Heriots
Kinross v Currie
Hawick Harlequins v Hamilton
Glasgow Hawks have been awarded a bye into the fifth round.
Scottish Hydro Electric National Bowl
Ties to be played on Saturday 16 February 2008
First Round:
East Region:
North Berwick v Preston Lodge FP
Edinburgh University v Linlithgow
Trinity Academicals v Lismore
Caledonia Region:
Grangemouth v Madras College FP
Hillfoots/Alloa v Orkney
Strathmore v Glenrothes
West Region:
Lenzie v Greenock Wanderers
Strathendrick v Waysiders Drumpelier
Scottish Hydro Electric National Plate
Ties to be played on Saturday 16 February 2008
East Region:
First Round:
St Boswells v Edinburgh Northern
Second Round:
Dunbar v Portobello FP
Inverleith v Meggetland
Gala YM v Leith
West Region:
First Round:
Isle of Mull v Lanark
Second Round:
Oban Lorne v Moffat
Islay v Jordanhill Phoenix
Carrick v GHK
Isle of Arran v Clydebank
Hughenden v Cumnock
Caledonia Region:
First Round:
Stornoway v Blairgowrie HSFP
Ross Sutherland v Fife Southern
Second Round:
Harris Academy v Arbroath
Huntly v Aberdeen Wanderers
Carnoustie HSFP v Aberdeen University
Waid Academy FP v Mackie Academy FP
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This article was posted on 15-Feb-2008, 15:20 by Hugh Barrow.
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