Watsonians book their spot in the title play-offs

Watsonians clinched their place in the title play-offs of the Super6 Sprint with a 35-24 victory over Heriot’s yesterday – but the leaders had to fight all the way before extending their winning run to four games,

writes STUART BATHGATE.

Heriot’s were in front from early on in the match, which was played at Meggetland as Myreside was unavailable, and when they stretched their lead to 25-10 in the second half they seemed to be on course to get the better of their Edinburgh rivals.

But a powerful fightback including two tries from Lewis

Berg ensured that Watsonians coach Fergus Pringle went home happy.

“We knew they would come hard at us and throw everything at us,” he said. “We’re chuffed at only conceding three tries. In a fast, open game it’s a credit to our defence.”

Pringle’s opposite number, Andrew Kelly, reckoned his team had contributed to their own downfall.

“They’re a good team, they pressured us and we leaked a few points, then it got away from us,” he said.

“We fell out of the game a bit and they kept the pressure on, which is what they’re good at.”

On current form, Watsonians’ main rivals for the title will be the Ayrshire Bulls, who overran the Southern Knights in yesterday’s late game at the Greenyards, winning 62-12.

In control from the opening minutes, the Bulls were 38-7 up by the break, and in the second half the only question was how many points they would add to their tally.

The away win takes the Millbrae club up to second in the table, just ahead of Stirling County.

Stirling would have gone top temporarily if they had beaten Boroughmuir Bears on Friday night, but it was the Edinburgh side who prevailed in the end at Bridgehaugh, winning a dingdong battle 26-25.

It was the first victory of the campaign for the Bears after three defeats.

The tournament has a rest day this coming weekend before the final round of regular fixtures in a fortnight’s time, when County and Heriot’s go head-to-head for the right to join Watsonians and the Bulls in the upper-half play-offs.