Currie hoping to seal Premier trophy on alien territory

THE bizarre nature of the elongated Scottish rugby season continues this afternoon when Currie bid to beat Glasgow Hawks and lift the Scottish Hydro Premier One trophy in a ground alien to both of them.

On Thursday night, Ayr kept the pressure on leaders Currie by beating Heriot's, strangely enough, at Currie's Malleny Park ground. This afternoon, Hawks have moved up the road to West of Scotland's Burnbrae home after a GHK cricket match ruled out the main pitches at Old and New Anniesland.

Peter Wright, the Hawks coach, said: "It is a bit strange but it's because the season has been so long and we're into the cricket season now. We could have played it on our 2nds pitch round the back, but we felt that wouldn't be fitting for a match of this standing – we know Currie are coming to win the title but we're also looking to win and claim fourth spot – and with a big crowd expected. We're indebted to West and thank them for the use of their facilities."

Hawks are without fly-half Duncan Weir, who was with Glasgow Warriors in Wales last night.

Glasgow Hawks: M Adamson; R Hair, E Morrison, G Harkness, C Gossman; A White, P Jericevich; G Strain, J MacLay, N Cox, J Stafford, C Harvey, M Whittleston, R McKay, G Strang. Subs: C Taylor, R Niven, C Kerr, M Taylor, G McDonald.

Currie: J Smith; W Moala, C Kinloch, A MacMahon, D Fife; A Binikos, R Snedden; J Cox, A Walker, A Hamilton, A Adam (capt), R Wilson, M Cairns, J Thomson, R Weston. Subs: N Scobie, M Entwhistle, S Burton, G White, J Johnston.