RBS Regional Cup: Watsonians see off Haddington to maintain winning run

Early on in this match at Myreside they led 11-0 after two penalties from Brian Walls and then a try by Jamie Niven which the winger took well. Injuries for both sides disrupted things at that stage and by the end of the first quarter the scoreline was still the same.

After 30 minutes Haddington got themselves in to things when former ‘Sonians player Nick Bell, playing at scrum-half, ran in a try and converted it himself. On the stroke of half-time Bell pushed a penalty wide and the game was still in the balance. Watsonians, after no doubt a stern word from their coaches at the interval, scored a second try in the 44th minute. It came from replacement back-row  Andrew Joseph and put them 16-7 up.

Seven minutes later Walls added a third penalty and when Bell was yellow carded it looked an uphill task for the visitors. Watsonians did not score when he was off though before adding three more penalties before time was up through Walls to finish things off and claim their 13th win in a row.

In today’s ties, Glasgow Hawks will be looking to make it three RBS West Regional Cup wins in a row when they travel to Whitecraigs. In the last fortnight the RBS National League promotion chasers have seen off Dumfries and Greenock Wanderers to top Group B. And ahead of their return to league action in seven days away to Kelso they will be looking for another confidence booster at West Lodge.

For the visitors Tom Steven, David Milne and Andy White return to the backline with Paul Henderson and Callum Kerr coming into the front-row. The hosts head into the match having lost two from two in this competition and with quite a few players missing through injury, but at home are always a tough proposition.

In the same group Dumfries travel to Greenock Wanderers. In Group A leaders Ayr defend the Bill McLaren Shield at Memorial Field against Ardrossan Accies. For the visitors key men Colin White, Richard Dalgleish, Andrew Dunlop, David Young, Peter Jericevich and Denford Mutamangira are all rested to provide opportunities for others in the squad. GHA also host Hillhead/Jordanhill at Braidholm.

Group C leaders Hamilton face a tricky trip to West of Scotland while Dalziel host Cartha Queens Park.

In the RBS Edinburgh Regional Cup the Group One leaders Biggar are hosting Murrayfield Wanderers. Eight days ago the Hartreemill men defeated Lasswade 76-5, but Wanderers should prove a sterner test having pushed Watsonians hard last time out. At Goldenacre, Heriot’s welcome Lasswade while Currie are on the road to Musselburgh. Jack Broadley starts in the centre for the visitors after some impressive recent showings while Adam Hinds is still out injured.

In the final RBS Edinburgh Regional Cup tie Edinburgh Accies host Boroughmuir, the former having won a recent league match between the two.

Watsonians: A Chalmers; J Ferguson, S McKean, T Hart, J Niven; R Aitken, B Walls; M Heather, D Rutherford, R Basson, C Harvey, J Duthie, T Wright, C Scott, H Grant. Subs used: A Joseph, D Moussa, D Dunnett, E Miller, C Barrie.

Haddington: N Watt; K Adams, A Symington, G Dykes, I Watt; J Ferguson, N Bell; D Bergvall, C Harrison, G Cockburn, D Barber, B Laing, C Davies, K Paterson, S Gilmour. Subs used: A Bell, M Legget.

Scorers: Watsonians: Tries: Niven, Joseph. Pens: Walls 6. Haddington: Try: Bell. Con: Bell.

Referee: D Shaw