Two more matches before a month’s break make it a crucial fortnight for Dundee HSFP in BT National One, as they attempt to stay within sight of the promotion places.
High’s defeat at GHA last week had the squad and coaches furious, not least with the way their advantage at the scrum which helped them to a 20-3 lead was blunted by an early decision for uncontested scrums.
However the 17-point lead should still not have been surrendered and to leave Braidhaugh without even a bonus point was a significant blow. It means there’s little room for manoeuvre with Edinburgh Accies at Mayfield tomorrow.
Accies are third with only one loss – a narrow one to unbeaten leaders Jed-Forest – and the top three are a handy 16 points clear of High as we approach the Autumn Internationals break. Not letting that gap get any bigger and hopepfully working back to a full complemented squad by the start of November is the aim at Mayfield.
Howe of Fife’s position has got downright perilous after they went down to Stewarts Melville at Inverleith and missed out on even a losing bonus point, leaving them bottom of the division and nine points adrift of safety.
Howe’s home game next week with Hamilton – the side in ninth – takes on must-win billing, while they must hope to get something from the tricky trip to Selkirk, who’ve had some inconsistent results to say the least.
Kirkcaldy are still in a position of some safety in National Two but haven’t added to their points column in the last fortnight, and face the up and coming GHK at Beveridge Park this week.
Two defeats mean that the New Anniesland side are no longer conquering all before them in the higher league, but they’re still pretty well placed in fourth and challenging for promotion.
Perthshire remain in the three relegation slots in National Three after taking a hammering at Union Park last week from Corstorphine, but have a chance to get a little closer to a safer position with Dalziel due at the North Inch.
In Caledonia One Caithness’ grip on first place tightened with their win over Glenrothes, while Strathmore couldn’t follow up their win at Gordonians, falling to Alloa.
It means Gordonians stay second, Alloa move into third and Glens and Strathmore are on the same points in fourth and fifth. This week the Griffons host Caithness at Earlsfield, while the other three would appear to have home bankers.
No change in Caley Two Midlands, where Hillfoots remain unbeaten but are second to Grangemouth, and the Stags are headed to Tillycoultry this weekend although even a bonus win won’t take the home side top, having played two fewer games than their rivals.
Waid and Dundee University Medics are out in front in Caley Three North, the students’ impressive win over Madras keeping them on track last week. In the South section Stirling County’s 3rd team lead by a bonus point over Grangemouth IIs.
BT League matches this weekend (all kick offs 3pm unless stated):
National One: Dundee HSFP v Edinburgh Accies, Selkirk v Howe of Fife.
National Two: Kirkcaldy v GHK.
National Three: Perthshire v Dalziel.
Caledonia One: Alloa v Caithness, Strathmore v Aberdeen Wanderers, Glenrothes v Harris Academy FP, Gordonians v Mackie Academy FP, Dunfermline v Carnoustie HSFP.
Caledonia Two Midlands: Blairgowrie v Crieff & Strathearn, Panmure v Falkirk II, Howe of Fife II v Morgan Academy FP, Kinross v Kirkcaldy II, Hillfoots v Grangemouth Stags.
Caledonia Three Midlands North: Angus Development v Perthshire II, Stobswell v Waid Academy FP, Aberfeldy v Dundee University Medics, Arbroath v Madras.
Caledonia Three Midlands South: Hillfoots II v Glenrothes II, Stirling County III v Grangemouth II, Bannockburn v Alloa II, Bo’ness v Fife Southern.
Women’s National One: Kirkcaldy v Broughton (2 pm Sunday)
Women’s National Two: Howe Harlequins v Helensburgh (2 pm Sunday)
