Rugby: Hillhead still on the road aiming to build on flying start

The men from Hughenden were the only team to earn a five-point win on the opening day with their 24-6 win at Riverside Park.

And with their revamped home ground still out of action due to cricket, they are on the road again, this time to Inverleith to take on Bruce McNaughton’s Stewart’s Melville who drew 32-32 with Hawick last time out.

Hillhead-Jordanhill head coach Derek Busby said: “We are looking forward to travelling through to take on Stewart’s Melville. Like us, they like to get the ball wide and play rugby, so it promises to be an entertaining afternoon.

“It took us a bit of time to get into things last week down at Jed, but the second-half performance was more pleasing and the players that have joined the club over the summer have made an impact on the squad.”

The players who have come to the club this season include Scotland club international AJ McFarlane from Ayr. When he first arrived in the country from South Africa a number of years ago he joined Hills and is enjoying being back there.

He has formed a good partnership at half-back with David Armstrong, who was away travelling in New Zealand last season, while another couple of ex-Ayr men Blair McPherson and Ryan Holland have also made a difference.

Busby, a former Scotland age-grade and ‘B’ cap, added: “We have a great club and team spirit and everyone works hard for each other. Many seem to think we will struggle in this division, but we aim to cause a few shocks and see where we end up.”

Young Edinburgh EDP Phil Cringle looks set to make his debut for Stewart’s Melville at prop.

After last week’s hard-fought 16-16 draw against Biggar, Hamilton travel to Kelso and head coach Dale Lyon said: “This week sees some shuffling due to availability issues, but it should be another good challenge for us at this stage of the season.”

Hawick take on Selkirk in what is sure to be a tasty Borders derby.

Watsonians and Jed will both be keen to get their first wins on the board when they clash at Myreside and there is an intriguing tie at Hartreemill with Glasgow Hawks taking on hosts Biggar.