Knock-out route to RBS Cup semis for Glasgow sides

GLASGOW clubs have opted for a different route into the new RBS Cup to their district rivals by competing in a knock-out competition to determine their qualifier for the last four of the national cup.

The Scotsman detailed the new league plans for the Borders, Caledonia and Edinburgh this week to launch district league competitions as part of the club restructuring sanctioned at last month's SRU AGM, which aims to cut the length and travel costs of the club season, revive interest in the cup and swell crowds.

However, while they involved up to nine clubs from the top three Premier divisions, Glasgow had to fit 12 teams into their structure. That has led to a 'Glasgow Cup', and the draw agreed this week has handed Ardrossan Accies a home tie against Glasgow Hawks on 10 December while Greenock Wanderers are at home to Whitecraigs, Cartha Queens Park home to Hillhead/Jordanhill and GHA entertain Dumfries on the same date.

Ayr, West of Scotland, Hamilton and Dalziel have been given byes to the next round. Ayr will play their quarter-final away to West on 3 December, to fit in with their British and Irish Cup commitments, while on 17 December Dalziel host the winners of GHA or Dumfries, Ardrossan or Hawks play Cartha or Hills and Greenock or Whitecraigs will meet Hamilton.

The semi-finals will take place on 7 January with the winner of the Dalziel/GHA/Dumfries ties hosting West or Ayr, and the side to emerge from Ardrossan/Glasgow Hawks/Cartha/Hillhead-Jordanhill at home to the winner of Greenock Wanderers/Whitecraigs/Hamilton. The Glasgow Cup Final will be staged on 25 February with the winner going forward to the RBS Cup semi-finals.

Peter Wright, the Glasgow Hawks director of rugby, said: "We felt last year's national league cup situation, where we played in pools, did not work, largely due to the weather. Having 12 clubs, and six in Premier Three, meant that could happen again this season potentially, and we don't want a scenario where a team plays one game and is into the national semi-finals.

"The teams that reach the final will potentially have four derby matches that they've not had before, and there is already a lot of interest in these games across Glasgow district."