Watsonians host Heriot’s in pick of Scottish Cup first round ties

THE revamped Scottish Hydro Premier Cup picks up speed today with 13 first round ties. And while the victors advance to the last 16, there is no safety net of a lesser competition for defeated teams.

The clear-cut match of the day is at Myreside, where holders Heriot’s lock horns with capital rivals Watsonians. Although the hosts are near the foot of the league, Heriot’s are one of their four scalps so there is no obvious favourite.

Sonians make three changes in the pack from the team that won last time out: Niall Dennis (No8), Chris Masson (lock) and Neil Tunnah (prop). Heriot’s coach Rob McKillop said: “We played some good rugby in scoring eight tries to beat Stewart’s-Melville last week. But this is a strong Watsons side so we must start better.”

Among a number of unavailable players is Rory Hutton (broken finger) while hooker Finlay Gillies makes his first start of the season.

Howe of Fife of P3, who dumped Glasgow Hawks out the Cup at this stage last season, look like a good bet to take the scalp of Kelso from the division above.

Howe skipper Ewan Jack explained: “Hawks tried to play open rugby, which suited us. We played really well that day, but when we played Edinburgh Accies in the next round they just used their big men to batter us. We’re hoping that Kelso will want to play rugby.”

Kelso President Ewan Brewis said: “Clearly our priority is to maintain our P2 status, but we’re taking a full strength side to Fife, with no players being rested. Euan Ford – Ross’s brother – starts at stand-off, with ex-pro Kevin Utterson in the centre.”

Another P2 side deep in the relegation mire is Haddington, who entertain Falkirk. Spokesman for the East Lothian men, Richard Scott said: “This is a transition season for us; but a Cup run would be a bonus.”

Falkirk’s Alex Ronnay noted: “They’re near the bottom of P2 and we’re third in P3, so we’re not that far apart.”

Stuart McAllister returns at centre after a few weeks out, with David Adamson calling the shots at stand-off.

With all the Glasgow sides on their travels, Hillhead/Jordanhill, leaders of P3 with one defeat, must fancy their chances at Stewart’s-Melville who have two wins in propping up the top division.

Hills team manager Kenny Campbell said: “We are travelling to Inverleith to play as much continuity rugby as we can. Our No 10 Cammy McCulloch is unavailable, but our pack will be competitive against them, and with David Armstrong at scrum-half and Gus Twaddle at full-back we do have players who would not be out of place in a higher division.”

Another interesting tussle could be at Bridgehaugh where P2 leaders Stirling County face P1 Glasgow Hawks.

It looks done and dusted for P1 champions Ayr, who travel to third bottom of P3 Musselburgh. The Millbrae outfit indicate the seriousness of their intentions by listing their players from last night’s Club international on the bench apart from Damien Kelly who is rested. Scott Nimmo gets a start at lock and flanker Johnno Crossan resumes after a shoulder knock.

Although Jed-Forest are second bottom of P2 they are proven cup scrappers so West of Scotland from mid-table P1 will have to be fully focused. Visiting coach John Beattie said: “The boys are looking forward to a game in the Borders against a team for whom we have a lot of respect.”

He can restore Ben Wright to full-back so Andy Park returns to the wing but Gordon Bulloch is still on holiday.

Edinburgh Accies of P1 welcome P3 Hamilton. Coach Ian Barnes said: “We are hoping for a decent cup run to compensate for what has so far been a pretty indifferent league campaign – but we appreciate how difficult cup games against teams in lower divisions can be if the attitude is not right.”