HISTORY will be made on Saturday as Hawick and Hawick YM meet for the first time in a competitive match, writes Kenny Paterson.
The match is meaningless as neither team can catch RBS Border Regional Cup leaders Selkirk, who will win the trophy and advance to the National Cup quarter-finals with a win at Peebles tomorrow night.
But there is plenty at stake in terms of bragging rights and preparation for the remainder of the season.
YM coach Jammy McFarlane said: “Hawick have the better players, more skilful, better conditioned and play at a higher level. They are the top side in the town, but I have a lot of blokes in my side who want to prove they are better.
“It is a strange one for me, as all but one of the Hawick squad I have previously coached.
“There will be contrasting styles on Saturday. Hawick like to play an open game with width, whereas we tend to keep it up the jumper and we have no intention of changing for this match.”
The YM will be missing Ross McLeod, while Gregor Welsh is a doubt with a sternum injury.
Hawick coach Phil Leck is missing Shawn Muir, who is on Scotland Under-20s duty.
He told us: “This game is only for pride, but it will still be a hard contest. The YM have run both Selkirk and Jed-Forest close this year.
“We work with the YM quite closely and some of our players have played for them in the past.
“But any friendship will go out the window on Saturday.”
Saturday’s other Border Regional Cup game is between Jed-Forest and Kelso.
Jed interim coach Kevin Barrie, who could be missing Garry Elder and Allan Frame, said: “We want to build up a bit of confidence ahead of our remaining league games and a win in a derby match would certainly help that.”
Galashiels Academy booked their place in the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Schools Under-18 Plate final after beating Madras College 5-0 on Tuesday at Netherdale.
Josh Irvine scored the only try of the match for the Braw Lads, who now face either Kelvinside Academy or Marr College in the final.
Academy coach Lewis Bertram said: “I thought we defended fantastically.”