Hillhead Jordanhill and Watsonians have made a habit of meeting in women’s Sarah Beaney Cup finals and they will be doing so again on Silver Saturday on April 25 after they made sure of progress over the weekend.
The sides have played each other at Murrayfield in the big match in the last two seasons and also a number of other times in recent years and they are now both 80 minutes away from silverware again.
Hills will be looking to win the trophy for the first time since 2022 with Watsonians looking to win it for the fourth year in a row.
The Glasgow side made sure of their final place for this year with a 27-15 bonus point win in their final pool stage game at home to Cartha Queens Park on Friday evening.
Claudia McLaren scored two tries with Hazel Mulligan, Beth Tobin and Debbie Lee also crossing and Carla McDonald converting one of them.
“Cup finals are special, that’s why you play the game. We’re really excited as a group about the challenge that awaits,” Hillhead head coach Stephen Gillies said after their final spot was confirmed.
“We’ve spoken throughout the run so far about controlling what we can control. That mindset won’t change now. Getting there is a big achievement, but it’s a step, not the end goal.
“We know what these occasions consist of, we know how to prepare for them and we’ll do exactly that over the next month.
“For now, that preparation comes hand in hand with our second team preparing for the knock-out stages of the Shield competition.
“It’s an exciting time for the group overall, but not one that’s happened by chance.
“We’ll keep our eyes fully focused on what matters most, having fun along the way with the intention of getting the job done come April 25 at Murrayfield.”
Cartha, who are fifth in the six-team standings in a competition which Arnold Clark Premiership champions Stirling County withdrew from, have one game to come at Biggar this coming weekend.
Their points against Hills came via tries from Sophie Gibney (2) and Jenn Treacy.
Hills finished second in the pool phase behind Watsonians on points difference in the end after the Edinburgh side beat the weather and Corstorphine Cougars at Myreside on Sunday.
In the 34-7 bonus point triumph, Briar McNamara (2), Millie Whitehouse, Hannah McMahon and Mary Nelson (2) scored tries for the victors with Nicole Marlow kicking two conversions.
Corstorphine, who are fourth with a home match left versus Heriot’s this weekend, scored a try and a conversion via Lisa Martin.
On March 1, Hills and Watsonians drew 17-17 in the pool stage so the final should be a good one.
The women’s National Shield, Plate and Bowl competitions are ongoing.
Silver Saturday coincides with the Six Nations third round, where Italy will host Scotland at 4.30pm UK time. To make the most of this opportunity, the match will be broadcast in the Thistle Suite.
The Silver Saturday schedule is here.
The Bowl final will be played on May 9 in the lead up to Scotland’s round four Women’s Six Nations home fixture against France in the Women’s Six Nations. The match will be played on the back pitches with kick off at 1.30pm.
Hills and Watsonians are pictured – thanks to Scottish Rugby
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