Rugby: Hawick ask fans to clear pitch for Kelso tie

Hawick are appealing for members to head for Mansfield Park early this morning and help clear the pitch of snow in a bid to get this afternoon’s RBS National League match with Kelso on.

If the game does go ahead, Hawick will be looking to keep up the pressure on league leaders Watsonians and, in the process, gain revenge for a recent RBS Border Regional Cup defeat to Kelso. It was just over a month ago that the Poynder Park men won 19-15 at Mansfield Park.

Hawick head into the match just a point behind Watsonians while Glasgow Hawks are in the same boat. This afternoon Hawks are also in the Borders, weather permitting, to take on second-bottom side Jed-Forest. Hawks have been in great form of late in the RBS West Regional Cup and have named a strong team for their return to league action with Irish back James Gormley also returning to the bench.

Watsonians, who saw last week’s RBS Edinburgh Cup tie at Currie postponed, head to Selkirk with back-rows Andrew Joseph and Niall Dennis out. However, full-back Rory Steele is now back to full fitness after a foot injury and his club international selection will have given him a boost.

Head coach Marcus Di Rollo said: “We haven’t played for a while now and the boys are eager to get back to winning ways. It will be a tough match.”

Selkirk go into the match in fifth place just behind Hillhead/Jordanhill.

Bottom side Biggar travel to Hillhead/Jordanhill while Stewart’s Melville host Hamilton.