Dundee HSFP facing tough test in bid to extend excellent run

The feeling that Dundee HSFP’s young team are hitting their straps in BT National One faces a proper examination at Riverside Park this week as they seek to maintain their excellent run, writes Steve Scott.

The 60-point romp against Stewart’s Melville last week means they have moved into the top half of the division.

Notably, they have a defensive record second only to unbeaten league leaders Edinburgh Accies, and that having played three of the top four.

Jed are the fourth of the quartet and their sole defeat thus far has been to Accies at Raeburn Place. Their philosophy for this season seems to be of the ‘don’t care how much you score, we’ll just score more’ variety.

That means they have the worst defensive record of any team in the top six of the division, but they have taken a try bonus point in every game bar one so far.

Dundee are riding a sizeable injury list and regular unavailables much better than they did last year, with many of their young squad now having a full season on the clock.

After this week High have a concerted run of four matches against teams lower than them in the division.

Kirkcaldy didn’t quite live up to the expectations they’ve built for themselves this season in last week’s win over Preston Lodge.

However, at the end of it all they had the win, the try bonus, had nilled their visitors and were still top of National Two, so any complaints seem a little unjustified.

This week’s test at Lasswade is a little more challenging for the Blues.

Chasers Hamilton and Dumfries are likely to pick up full points in their games. The Saints are home to Peebles, while Hamilton are making the short trip over Eaglesham Moor to struggling Whitecraigs.

Howe of Fife had their run of three wins ended by promotionchasing Dumfries at Duffus last week.

They will look to re-set against GHK at New Anniesland.

There was better news for the club the following day as the Harlequins won their first game since gaining promotion to Women’s National League One – and at Melrose, to make it even more memorable.

In National Three, Perthshire have a crucial fortnight in their season starting with tomorrow’s lunchtime visit of Orkney to the North Inch.

They’re playing the Islanders this week followed by a visit to Haddington next, and those are the two teams occupying the relegation slots immediately below them at present.

Strathmore’s strong start to the season in Caledonia Division One saw them draw level with Caithness at the top with a comfortable win over visiting Harris at Inchmacoble last week.

They’re off to pointless Banff this week while the Northerners have a tricky trip to Grangemouth, who are working at continuing a three-match unbeaten run.

Unbeaten Blairgowrie are out in front in Caley Two Midlands and likely to remain there with Panmure the visitors this week.

Hillfoots and Carnoustie HSFP are in closest pursuit.