CUP PREVIEW – Melrose host Watsonians in the quarter-final of the Scottish Cup

Melrose welcome Watsonians to the Greenyards this Saturday (16 February, kick-off 2.30pm) as both sides look to progress to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.

With Melrose and Watsonians sitting 4th and 5threspectively in the Tennent’s premiership, the game is anticipated to be a keenly contested fixture with both teams looking to bring the competition to the cup tie.

The squad will be bolstered by the inclusion of Edinburgh first year pros – Jason Baggott and George Taylor – who start in the midfield and Scotland 7s player, Ross McCann who starts on the wing. Russell Anderson returns to the squad following injury as he joins the replacements.

Melrose Head Coach, Rob Chrystie said, “We are looking forward to getting back out onto the Greenyard’s for this Cup tie against Watsonians.

“They have strength and depth across the board and will be desperate to get into the next round.”

The side also hope that their home advantage will have a positive impact to their performance after their disappointing 10-31 loss in the Tennent’s Premiership to Currie Chieftains at the end of January.

Chrystie added: “The squad has been working hard over the last two weeks and are determined to put in a performance that everyone can be proud of.”

The visitors are also eager to prove that they can face up to Melrose after their 19-14 loss against Edinburgh Academical in their last league encounter.

Finn Hobbis, Cammy Fenton and Jack Stanley are due to start in a new look front row whilst captain Craig Borthwick is back into the second row. Mark Bertrum will also be back on the wing again as he returns from injury.

Watsonians Head Coach, Steve Lawrie, highlighted that preparation has been key for the squad and insists that they have been training hard in order to rectify the mistakes made in their previous game.

He said: “The players have prepared well over the last two weeks and we have been able to select an exciting looking squad for this crucial cup quarter.

“The Greenyards is a cracking venue and we look forward to testing ourselves against one of the top sides in the country.”

Elsewhere, the Scottish Cup quarter-finals continue with Jed-Forest facing Heriot’s at Riverside Park.

Stirling County travel to Mansfield Park to go head-to-head against Hawick, and Ayr host Currie Chieftains at Millbrae.

Melrose v Watsonians, The Greenyards, kick-off 2.30pm

Melrose: Craig Jackson; Ross McCann, Patrick Anderson, George Taylor, Michael Mulace-Julyan; Jason Baggott, Murdo McAndrew; Grant Shiels, Richard Ferguson, Conor Young, Angus Runciman, James Head, Ruaridh Knott, Grant Runciman, Ian Moody

Replacements: Russell Anderson, Calum Crookshanks, Callum Wilde, Pater Eccles, Struan Hutchison, Gavin Wood, Iain Sim.

Watsonians: Josh Rowland; Mark Bertram, Andrew Chalmers, Lee Millar, Rory Steele; Ewan Fox, Ali Harris; Finn Hobbis, Cammy Fenton, Jack Stanley, Finlay Simpson, Craig Borthwick, Charlie McKill, Ross Graham, Michael Fedo

Replacements: Fraser Renwick, Jonny Gibson, Duncan Ferguson, Harry Fisher, Murray Scott, Chris Bell, Paul Cunningham.