Watsonians prepare to win title on own terms

WATSONIANS only need a single match point against Stirling County tonight to become Super6 Sprint Series champions after winning all six of their matches in the tournament to date.

But, needless to say, while a draw or even certain narrow defeats would be enough for the Myreside men, they are going all out to claim the title in altogether more convincing fashion.

On paper, at least, they look to be in a strong position to do so, having been boosted by the availability of several Edinburgh players. Harrison Courtney, Angus Williams, Mesu Kunavula and Connor Boyle all start in the pack for Fergus Pringle’s side, while Matt Currie – named in the Scotland squad this week – is at centre.

Nonetheless, games between the two clubs have been close affairs both this season and last, and head coach Pringle has great respect for his opponents, who became the only team capable of seizing the crown from his own side after they beat the Ayrshire Bulls two weeks ago.

“Stirling have played some great rugby in the competition and their last-minute win against Ayr showed their never-say-die attitude,” he said.

“For us as a group, this competition has been about trying to get better each game.

“Play-off games are about producing your best on the big occasion and our squad will turn up determined to do that.”

Stirling coach Ben Cairns, who has named Glasgow winger Walter Fifita in his back division, has been encouraged by the defiant attitude of his players in recent weeks.

“We have given ourselves a chance and go into the match with the belief that we can beat the odds,” he said.

With Myreside unavailable, this evening’s game is being held at Meggetland. Tomorrow’s final match in the series, fifth-placed Heriot’s ‘home’ fixture against fourth-placed Boroughmuir, is also at the Bears’ ground, as Goldenacre, too, is unavailable.