Friday 23 September: Stirling Wolves v Watsonians

This Friday, Stirling Wolves host Watsonians in their final home game of the 2022 Championship at Bridgehaugh (kick-off 7.45pm).

How to watch

This week, this match will be available to watch on the Scottish Rugby website from 7.30pm. The match will then be shown as live on FreeSports at 10:30pm that evening.
FreeSports can be found on Sky HD channel 422, Virgin HD 553, TalkTalk 64, BT Vision channel 64, Samsung TV Plus and is also available on the FreeSports Player — www.freesportsplayer.tv.

Be There

Secure your spot to watch Stirling Wolves host Watsonians at Bridgehaugh. Find your tickets here: https://www.citizenticket.co.uk/events/stirling-wo…

Match Officials

Ref – Ian Kenny
AR 1 – David Sutherland
AR 2 – David Changleng

Comments from the Coaches:

Ben Cairns (Stirling Wolves) said:

A bit of a reshuffle in the backline, Walter Fifita is released by Glasgow and starts on the wing ahead of Euan Cunningham, becoming our 46^th player used in the Championship season so far. Alex Thom starts at centre for the injured Craig Jardine. Finally, the fit again Gregor Christie starts at 9 with Fin Burgess moving to the bench.

In the pack, Co-Captain Connor Gordon misses out through injury, so Gregor Hiddleston moves back to 7 and Angus Fraser starts at hooker. Benedict Grant returns at No. 8 and Jack Hill moves to 6 with George Arnott moving to the bench.

Finally, Rhodri Tanner returns to the replacements bench.

There is no getting away from how disappointing last week’s result was. We made it far too easy for the Bulls to accumulate points and to be fair to them, they were very clinical. All 10 of their tries came from within the first 3 phases, 6 1^st phase tries and 6 out of the first 7 scored started with us turning over possession. However, there were some green shoots, especially in the first half, we had some competitive sets, created some good opportunities, and matched them physically. We must take some heart from this and if we can stay in the fight for longer periods then we will give ourselves a chance to compete for results.

It doesn’t get much easier though with Watsonians this week. They will want to keep the pressure on at the top of the table with Ayr having a game in hand. They have real strength and depth across their squad with a lot of experienced guys who know how to win at this level. Their foundations are very strong, and we will need to match them in these areas if we are to give ourselves a chance.

We have had some outstanding performances versus Watsonians in the past, especially at Bridgehaugh so we must lean on these experiences and look to turn the tide in what is our last home match of the season.

Fergus Pringle (Watsonians) said:

There is one change in the backs where Lomond MacPherson returns in place of the unavailable Harry Paterson. On the bench Roan Frostwick returns from Australia, joining the squad as an injury replacement for the rest of the competition and is on the bench. Ryan Daley replaces Matt Currie on the bench.

In the forwards, we have 6 changes to the starting pack with Cal Davies, Kwagga Van Niekerk and Jamie Berrisford returning to the starting lineup. Connor Boyle and Angus Williams come in on pro release with Campbell Wilson and Bobby Bratton moving to the bench.Cole Lamberton gets his first start of the campaign with Harrison Courtney unavailable through injury. Kieran returns to the bench while Luis Ball is unavailable for selection.

We’re looking forward to the challenge of taking on Stirling at Bridgehaugh. We know Stirling will be desperate to put in a strong performance for their last home game of the season and they will have a strong squad out this week. For us, it’s about improving our performance from last week and really focusing on ourselves. We need to do the basics well and be clinical when we get an opportunity to score points.

TEAM SELECTIONS

The line ups have now been announced for the @StirlingWolves v @WATSONIANFC clash tomorrow at Bridgehaugh?#FOSROCSuper6 pic.twitter.com/sJeQZj9n3U

— FOSROC Super6 (@Super6Rugby) September 22, 2022

Saturday 24 September: Heriot’s Rugby v Boroughmuir Bears

Currently, only 3 table points stand between Heriot’s and Boroughmuir Bears who go head-to-head this Saturday at Goldenacre (kick-off 1pm).

How to watch

Watch this game live on the Scottish Rugby website, BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.

Be There

There’s still time to grab your tickets to watch Heriot’s host the Bears at Goldenacre! Find your tickets here: https://www.citizenticket.co.uk/events/heriot-s-ru…

Match Officials

Ref – Jonny Perriam
AR 1 – Samuel O’Neil
AR 2 – Bob Nevins

Comments from the Coaches:

Finn Gillies (Heriot’s Rugby) said:

“Dan Gamble replaces Euan McLaren at tighthead prop with Michael Liness and Josh Scott completing the rest of the front row. Ronan Seydak and Fraser Hastie continue their partnership in the second row. A few changes to the back row this week, captain Ruairidh Leishman is unavailable due to concussion, Callum Anderson switches to the blindside, Iain Wilson makes a very welcome return to start at open side and Jack Mann continues at number 8. A special mention should go to Iain Wilson and Michael Liness, it is great to see these two Heriot’s stalwarts reaching 30 caps for the club.”

“Jed Gelderbloom and Bruce Houston continue at 9 and 10. With normal captain, Ruairidh Leishman unavailable Bruce Houston will step up to lead the side this week. An entirely new centre partnership this weekend, Cammy Hutchison is released by Edinburgh and it is great to have Cammy back around the club. Cammy is partnered by Scotland 7s player Matt Davidson who will make his debut for the club. Nyle Godsmark moves to the wing to accommodate Matt Davidson’s release, Dan King and Sam Pecqueur continue at full back and wing respectively.”

“We would like to welcome Elliot Young to the squad who has now joined Heriot’s Super6 on a permanent basis, Elliot will be a long-term injury replacement for Cammy Fenton who will be unable to play for the remainder of the competition. Struan Cessford and Euan McLaren will be the replacement props. Glasgow Hawks and Andy Hill have once again come to our rescue and have been kind enough to release us Euan McAra to cover Murdo McAndrew’s concussion and Ruairidh Hart to cover Ruairidh Leishman. Sam Wallace will once again join us from the Heriot’s Blues team with Bobby Kay and Kyle Browne completing our match day squad.”

“We were extremely happy to leave the Greenyards with 5 points on Friday night, we came through a lot of adversity last week and that felt like an appropriate reward for everyone’s hard work. However, there is no rest for the wicked and we are excited to right some wrongs against Boroughmuir. It is exciting to be back at Goldenacre for the early kick off, hopefully a big crowd comes along to watch what should be an excellent contest.”

“We were extremely dissapointed with how we performed against the Bears last time. When we last met, we got sucked into a chaotic style of rugby that the Bears thrive in, we will be looking for more patience and control this time around. Bears have threats all over the pitch and with the additions of Rufus McLean and Josh McKay we know we are going to have to be on it to keep these guys quiet.”

Graham Shiel (Boroughmuir Bears) said:

“Six personnel changes this week due to injuries and availability from last week’s game. The first round of games was tough, however no letup in round 2, so fortunately we have some additional resources available who will also add quality (which is a luxury) to our squad and much needed numbers, to try and get us through the campaign. Callum Smith starts again at Loose Head with Martin McGinley coming into the starting XV at Tight Head replacing the injured Marcus Goodwin. Iain Carmichael retains his position at Hooker for the 3^rd consecutive game settling into leading the scrum well. Callum Atkinson and Jack Fisher continue the 2^nd row combination. Euan Ferrie made an impact last week on his return and remains at 6, but changes to the back row through unavailability and injury sees Gregor Brown start this week at No. 8 and Craig Keddie returning to take over the captaincy at openside flank.”

“Ruairidh Swan and Jack Bergin continue in the half backs. We are delighted to welcome back Duncan Munn from U20 duties to take over midfield duties from Scott Robeson accompanying Ronan Kerr in the centre.”

“In the Back 3 Glasgow Warriors have made available Rufus McLean and Josh McKay, who both come into the starting XV on the Wing and Full Back to join Callum Ramm.”

“Jerry Blyth Lafferty will again start from the bench and continues to impress with his impact and style of rugby. We are delighted also to welcome Mikey Jones back to Bears. Mikey played for Boroughmuir age grade teams and has also represented Bears in Super6 as a ‘permit player’ but will make his official debut as a Bear on Saturday – well done! Completing the front row cover this week is Luca Alessandri who will cover the Tight Head side of the scrum. Liam McConnell continues to make huge strides in the adult game making an excellent impact from the bench last week and will fulfil a similar role this week along with Paul Bogie both covering the back five. Murray Johnstone covers scrum half; Adam Scott drops to the bench this week alongside Kerr Johnstone who made a solid start to his Super6 career last weekend.”

“Whilst the break was much needed for Bears, it unfortunately stalled the progress that we were making in the competition albeit Watsonians were always likely to be a tough test for the Bears whatever the circumstances. It has been a tough week for the playing group recovering from the physical confrontation, to dust themselves down and get back onto the pitch ahead of this weekend’s challenge versus Heriots. This is our last away game of the minor competition at Goldenacre which is always a tough place for Bears to play. Whilst there were many aspects of our performance that we were happy with last week, we still lost out, so this week is about getting back in the saddle and going again, seeking improvement individually and collectively in our performance against Heriots.”

“Whilst we are fortunate to have players available to come into the squad to replace injuries, the biggest success we had in round one was in having a settled squad albeit very tight, but now we have challenges in trying to keep players available for the remainder of the competition which means altering selection whenever possible to keep as many players fit for as long as we can.”

“We struggled to find the form last week that had served us well in the first round of games, so it is still work in progress to find an 80minute performance and consistency over a succession of games. This weekend is important to be more accurate in attack and find ways to be harder to break down in defence. With 4 games left in round 2 time is tight to show the progress we have made as a squad and with very tough games left to play, it will test the mettle of the Boroughmuir Bears squad.”

TEAM SELECTIONS

The line ups have been announced for Saturday's first #FOSROCSuper6 match where @HeriotsRugby host @MuirBears at Goldenacre? pic.twitter.com/n4kFbmsMnm

— FOSROC Super6 (@Super6Rugby) September 23, 2022

Saturday 24 September: Ayrshire Bulls v Southern Knights

Double Header. Double Points at stake.

Due to the to the cancellation of the reverse round 5 fixture which was due to be played at The Greenyards earlier this month, this Saturday’s clash (at Millbrae, kick-off 5pm) will now be played as a double header and count for double the points.

How to watch

Watch this game live on the Scottish Rugby website, BBC Sport website and BBC iPlayer.

Be There

Get along to Millbrae to watch how this doubled header plays out in person! Secure your tickets here: https://www.ayrrugbyclub.co.uk/product/ayrshire-bu…

Match Officials

Ref – Ruairidh Campbell
AR 1 – Craig Clark
AR 2 – Alistair Watt

Comments from the Coaches:

Pat McArthur (Ayrshire Bulls) said:

“There are a number of changes this weekend with Will Hunt, Tim Brown, William Farquhar, Alex McGuire, Simon Berghan and Cam Jones reverting from the bench to the starting lineup. We also have Archie Seaton and Andy Stirrat returning from injury. Jamie Drummond, Calvin Henderson, Ewan Bulger and Frazier Climo all come into the squad onto the bench.”

“We welcome Southern Knights to Millbrae this weekend. We were happy with the performance against Stirling but feel there as still areas we can improve on. It’s Ladies day at the club and with this fixture counting for double point the players will be determined to put in a good performance.”

Bruce Ruthven (Southern Knights) said:

“Keiran Clark returns at full back after missing out last week and will be hoping to put in a strong performance this weekend. Aidan Cross and Stage 3 player Finn Douglas will make his first start for the Knights and completes a young but exciting back 3.A new centre partnership of Korie Winters & Kyle McGhie start for the knights after injuries last week to Robbie Chalmers and Paddy Anderson. Half back pairing of Cammy Scott and Douglas Crawford will hope to get the Knights on the front foot and completes an exciting backline.”

“Rudi Brown makes the switch to No8 after his man of the Match performance last week and Sam Derrick swaps to blindside flanker. Harri Morris return to the Knights at openside after a long injury lay off. The second row sees the familiar frame of Jamie Campbell alongside Erem Demirel who also makes his first start for the Knights. Familiar faces of Brace, Renwick and Shiels form the front row.”

“Front row replacements sees Russell Anderson start from the bench with Stage 2 & 3 players Alasdair Rogers and Robbie Deans welcomed into the Knights as permit players. Jordan Miller, Wallace Nelson and Alan Ferrie will hope to make big contributions from the bench. Ben Pickles and David Colvine complete a 6/2 split for the substitutions.”

“The players are under no illusions on the task ahead at Millbrae but are looking forward to the challenge on Saturday. The Bulls have been going very well and have had some big score lines on their side whilst possessing some very experienced and high calibre players. We know that we will need to front up in defence and be more accurate in attack to stay on par with the Bulls. Last week we were all disappointed with the outcome of the game especially with only having ourselves to blame for the three tries, so much improvement is needed if were going to be competitive this weekend.”

“The players have worked hard this week and are keen to take their learnings over the past few games to step up their performances. We have a very youthful team who can be very dangerous alongside some experienced hardened players of our own so were all looking forward to seeing how the game plays out.”

TEAM SELECTIONS

Teams for Saturday's big @AyrshireBulls and @Sthrn_Knights double header have been released!#FOSROCSuper6 pic.twitter.com/QdRJU1DxbK

— FOSROC Super6 (@Super6Rugby) September 23, 2022