BT Premiership PREVIEW | Stirling County aim to take the game to Boroughmuir

This Saturday, Stirling County travel to Meggetland to face Boroughmuir as both sides are eager to finish the calendar year on a high note (kick-off 3pm).

The two teams last met in round four of the BT Premiership when Stirling County secured a comfortable 36-14 victory over Boroughmuir in front of a home crowd.

A run of three consecutive losses has hampered Stirling County’s campaign over recent weeks, but they are optimistic that they can bounce back from last week’s disappointing defeat against Watsonians.

Stirling County Head Coach, Peter Jericevich, has made some changes ahead in preparation for the match; with Ewan Macgarvie partnering Ross Curle in the centre with Logan Trotter, and Kerr Gossman returning to the fold on the wings.

Glasgow Warriors have also released Lewis Wynne for this weekend’s clash, as he aims to make an impression in the back row.

Jericevich said: “After a strong start, it was frustrating to allow Watsonians back in to the game last weekend and win it.

We must start strong again and be on top of our game for the full 80 minutes this Saturday against an ever improving Boroughmuir side.”

Boroughmuir are also raring to go, as last week’s match against Edinburgh rivals, Currie Chieftains, was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The capital side are looking to put a bit of distance between themselves and the bottom of the table, as Hawick’s recent return to form means that only two points separate the two teams.

Boroughmuir Head Coach, Peter Wright, said:

“We are expecting a pretty physical game and the players know we are in a real battle at the foot of the table.”

“Important that we perform at home and players have trained well this week to try and achieve that.”

Elsewhere, Currie Chieftains are preparing for a tough trip to Millbrae as they take on Ayr in a fight for a place in the top four of the table.

Glasgow Hawks relocate to Scotstoun this weekend, as they go head-to-head with Melrose, who are looking for their 13thconsecutive victory.

Hawick aim to maintain their winning momentum as they host Heriot’s at Mansfield Park, while Watsonians welcome Marr to Myreside.

Boroughmuir v Stirling County will be live-tweeted from @Scotlandteam.

Clubs from across BT National Leagues 1, 2 and 3 will also continue their season on Saturday. For a full list of fixtures, visit scottishrugby.org.

Boroughmuir v Stirling County, Meggetland, 3pm

Boroughmuir: Ciaran Whyte; Grant McConnell, Ronan Kerr, Greg Cannie, Jordan Edmunds; Chris Laidlaw CAPTAIN, Euan McKirdy; Paul Richards, Johnny Matthews, Thomas Gracie, Fin Field, Callum Atkinson, Archie Erskine, Tom Drennan, Craig Keddie

Replacements: Alan Nethery, Mike Henry, Aubrey Mcube, Jonny Adams, Mark Hare

Stirling County: Jonny Hope CAPTAIN; Logan Trotter, Ewan Macgarvie, Ross Curle, Kerr Gossman; Grant Hughes, Peter Jericevich; Mike Macdonald, Reyner Kennedy, Adam Nicol, Callum Hunter Hill, Joe Beech, Hamilton Burr, Lewis Wynne, Ruairidh Leishman

Replacements: Matthew Emmison, Remy Cheis, James Pow, Shaun Macdonald, Matt Donaldson