Rugby: winter weather causes more game call-offs

Mar 4 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HARSH winter weather caused several postponements in the Scottish Hydro leagues, leaving county clubs cooling their heels again.

In Premier 2, Biggar’s trip to Haddington fell foul of the conditions, with a date still to be set for the replay.

Fixture congestion is becoming a serious issue for most clubs and Biggar will hope Gala’s visit to Hartreemill will go ahead as planned this weekend.

The Netherdale club travel to Lanarkshire hoping to record a double over Biggar, having won the home encounter back in November.

Dalziel attempt to get their championship run back on track this weekend, after last Wednesday’s home match against Livingston was postponed.

Undefeated Dalziel have been unable to play their last three fixtures, including a friendly against Glasgow Hawks, but will hope to record a double over Edinburgh University at Dalziel Park on Saturday, having won the return fixture 29-5 in November.

Clydesdale and Cowal are still unable to face each other , with the West League Division Two fixture postponed on no fewer than four times.

Clydesdale hope for better fortune when they travel to Holm Park to face Moffat on Saturday, which is in itself a replay of a match scheduled for January 16.

Strathaven haven’t played since beating Isle of Arran on January 30, but will hope for a repeat against the same opponents at Whiteshawgate on Saturday. The original fixture was set for February 20.

Several Division Two matches have been re-arranged by the SRU.

Cowal will entertain Uddingston on April 3, after their February 6 meeting was postponed.

Uddingston will host Clydesdale the following week, after the game was postponed again on February 20.

Strathaven are due to travel to McLaren on March 27, and on the same day Clydesdale are also on the road to face Cowal in another attempt at staging their Dunoon Stadium match, which was last postponed on January 9.

Lanark were unable to entertain Mid-Argyll at the Old Racecourse on Saturday, but now don’t have a league fixture until they host Bishopton on March 13.

In other news, Biggar are delighted to have several of their Colts section called up for various Glasgow squads.

Angus Thomson (under-16), Chris Mulligan (under-17) and David McArthur (under-18) have been selected and the first two have a double celebration since they have been chosen as captain of their respective age-group teams.

FIXTURES:

Saturday, March 6:

Premier 2: Biggar v Gala.

Premier 3: Hamilton v Garnock.

National League 1: Dalziel v Edinburgh University.

West League 2: Moffat v Clydesdale; Strathaven v Isle of Arran (2pm).

Games kick-off at 3pm unless otherwise stated.