Rugby: Donaldson insists Hawick must play cancelled game

Currie coach Ally Donaldson has called on rugby bosses to insist on Hawick's cancelled visit to Glasgow Hawks being replayed because of possible implications for next season's three Scottish representatives in the British and Irish Cup.

The Borderers pulled out at the weekend, claiming they couldn't raise a team due to lack of front row cover but, while their league position is unaffected, Currie and Hawks share third place on 60 points with two games remaining while Melrose (70 points) will clinch the title if they defeat second place Ayr (63) in their one outstanding fixture.

Currie have still to visit Hawks and Ayr and clearly any setback for the Glaswegians at the hands of Hawick would assist their cause with scoring differential another factor to be considered.

The Championship committee will announce the outcome of an inquiry tomorrow. Options will include awarding of points, especially as Hawks Director of Rugby Peter Wright said: "The difficulty with rescheduling the game is that we have committed to play in Melrose Sevens, we play Currie on the 23rd and, after that, the pitches at Anniesland are lost to us because cricket takes over. The only free date here is the 16th, which is Hawick Sevens and the cup final."

However, Donaldson said: "I'd like to think they are trying to re-arrange the match even for midweek because it would be the right thing to do."

Scottish clubs' coach Donaldson claimed the situation had pros and cons for Hawks who might not be entirely happy with a points award. "I can't see Hawks being happy at going three weeks between matches by the time they face us," he said.