Rugby: Heriot's hit winning trail thanks to Brit-Irish Cup

HERIOT'S coach Bob McKillop has pointed to lessons learned in the British & Irish Cup as crucial to the Goldenacre men's success on domestic knockout duty, writes COLIN RENTON.

McKillop's side overturned a 13-10 interval deficit to see off Dundee High 36-21 and book a quarter-final clash away to his former club Stirling County on Saturday. "I was really pleased with the guys. We played some really nice rugby. Dundee are a top four side and a club with a strong cup tradition," said McKillop who saw Wullie Blacklock, Kevin Bryce, Colin Goudie, Marc Teague and Jamie Syme bag a try apiece.

And, pointing to the importance of the cross-border competition, he added: "It's been a major factor in turning our season around."

Clashes with a Bristol side boasting a 2.5million budget and a Munster team featuring several players with Magners League experience, have accelerated the development of the Goldenacre men, who have now moved a step closer to successfully defending the Scottish Hydro Cup.

"The guys raised their game against Bristol and Munster," added McKillop. "Those games were a great opportunity to throw off the shackles and experience the intensity and physicality of playing against strong sides."

Unless the number of teams in the competition increases next season, Heriot's will not be involved next year. However, in addition to their bid for a third successive Murrayfield final, they could have a say in the fate of Capital rivals Edinburgh Accies.

The top flight survival of the Raeburn Place men hangs in the balance after they suffered an agonising defeat away to Glasgow Hawks on Premiership duty.

Despite the absence of their Scotland Under-20 players, Accies, trailing

20-8 at the interval, hauled themselves back with Dave Rattray claiming a try and Gavin Douglas on target with a penalty.

A further touchdown from Steve Wilson together with two penalties and a conversion by Douglas left the Capital outfit two points adrift entering the closing stages when substitute Ruaridh Bonner missed with a penalty attempt, leaving Accies with only a bonus point for their efforts.

Ian Barnes' men will complete their league campaign at home to Heriot's on 3 April.