Rugby: Pollock to rest some Scarlets stars for a Cup rehearsal

Published on Friday 10 April 2009 09:58

HADDINGTON coach Eddie Pollock will keep his cards close to his chest when the Scarlets bring down the curtain on their Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership Division Two campaign with a trip to face Dundee High at Mayfield.

The sides will clash again at Neilson Park in the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup next Saturday. And, with the knockout tie in mind, Pollock is resting some of his first-choice personnel.

Dundee have already secured the Division Two title, so there is little at stake tomorrow other than a possible psychological advantage going into the quarter-final clash. However, Haddington beat them in the reverse fixture on the second day of the campaign – one of only two defeats suffered by the champions.

The East Lothian men had suggested playing next week's fixture as a cup and league double header, but Dundee have sponsorship commitments to fulfil and declined the offer.

Despite mixed form in the league, Haddington showed with their cup victory over West of Scotland last weekend that they are a side bristling with talent and suited to an expansive style.

And there can be no questions over fitness levels after four of the players who had featured in the 21-man cup success – Neil Watt, Sam Johnson, Craig Samuel and Nick Bell – had only a brief respite before going on to play in the sevens tournament that formed the second part of the club's 'Super Saturday', eventually going down to a narrow defeat against Gala in the final.

Haddington's near neighbours, Musselburgh, also have their final outing of what has been a disappointing season when they welcome Aberdeen Grammar to Stoneyhill.

However, there is nothing at stake for Donald MacDonald's side but pride after their bold bid to beat the drop fell just short.

It is a similar situation for Livingston, who are on the road to Dundee to face Morgan Academy. The Almond Park men were consigned to relegation from Division Three several weeks ago and have yet to secure a league win. With four games still to play, they will be looking to open their account.