Rugby: Hawick switch Kelso tie to artificial pitch

HAWICK have moved today’s RBS Borders Regional Cup tie with Kelso to the 3G pitch at Gala’s Netherdale home in a bid to make sure that the match goes ahead whatever the weather.

Over the past fortnight since December began, not many more than a handful of RBS League and Regional Cup, Shield and Bowl matches have been played anywhere in the country.

As a result many teams are going to be playing catch-up come January, but Hawick and Kelso will be hopeful of getting their match played, with a 4pm kick-off.

The ‘home’ team have not played a match for a few weeks and will be keen to get some action under their belts before next Saturday’s crucial match with Watsonians at the top of the RBS National League.

They have named John Coutts to start at full-back while as always Greg Cottrell and Rory Hutton’s link-up at scrum-half and stand-off will be key.

Elsewhere in the Borders today Selkirk are due to take on Jed-Forest while Hawick YM are set to face Peebles.

In the RBS Caledonia Regional Cup Kirkcaldy are due to host Perthshire while Dunfermline v Aberdeen Grammar has already fallen foul of the weather.

There are five ties in the Edin-burgh section, with Group 1 leaders Biggar taking on Group 2 leaders Currie at Hartreemill.

In the West section last night’s proposed tie between Ardrossan Accies and Hillhead/Jordanhill was off, with five matches scheduled for this afternoon.