Hawks out to prey on Marr in survival battle

Time is running out for teams at the bottom end of the Tennent’s Premiership table to climb out of trouble.

Glasgow Hawks, who have slipped into tenth place, the sole relegation spot, today face a tricky match at leaders Marr, whose top-four play-off spot is already assured.

Second-row Sione Halafihi returns for Hawks, while Ewan Rintoul is back at tighthead prop. “The boys are glad to get back out on the field and are looking forward to pitching themselves against the best team in the league,” said Hawks head coach Andy Hill.

“Our last encounter [when Marr won 18-17 at Balgray in November] came down to the width of the crossbar and we are hoping to be as competitive as the last time.” Marr have named an unchanged starting XV from their last league outing.

Ninth-placed Edinburgh Accies, who host playoff chasing Selkirk , are unchanged for the first time this season and head coach Iain Berthinussen stated: “I will never fault the attitude and commitment of our players. What we need to do is tighten up, concentrate and be consistent in some aspects of our game.”

Musselburgh are eighth, two points clear of the bottom two, but only have two games left, starting at seventh-placed GHA , who are also seeking a result to ensure safety.

Burgh head coach Graeme Paterson said: “We are definitely now facing a ‘door-die’ situation, but that is something that we are looking forward to and we want to remain in this league.”

Aberdeen Grammar vie with Selkirk for the final play-off spot and visit Hawick who are safely in the top four, as are Currie Chieftains, who host Jed-forest looking for points to keep at bay Hawick’s charge for a potential home semi-final.