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NEWS |
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The third round draw for the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup was made at Murrayfield on 30th October 07. Local derbies are the order of the day in the competition, which culminates in the showpiece occasion for club rugby in Scotland – cup finals day at Murrayfield on Saturday 3 May. The Scottish Hydro Electric Cup remains at a regional level at this round, taking on a national hue in round 4 when the Premiership clubs join the fray. The format of the Scottish Hydro Electric Cup has changed this season, clubs having opted for a more regionalized start to the competition at the SRU agm in June. This season’s format sees Regional League clubs contest Rounds 1 and 2, with the National League clubs entering the fray at Round 3. Losers from Round 3 go into the Bowl competition. The Cup goes ‘national’ at Round 4 when the Premiership clubs join the competition and all qualifiers from Round 3 are rewarded with a home tie against Premiership opposition. Round 4 losers are destined for the Shield competition. The Plate competition, which was played for the first time last season, is open to all clubs knocked out prior to Round 3. This therefore raises the possibility that two clubs which met in Round 1 of the Cup could meet again in the Plate. As Murphy’s Law states, if something can happen it will – and it has happened here. Calder, who were knocked out by Clydebank in the first round of the Cup, will be seeking revenge when they travel to Clydebank again in the first round of the Plate, Clydebank having failed to overcome the hurdle of Strathclyde Police in Round 2. Looking at the third round draw, a good example of the entertainment in store is Kinross’s home tie against Glenrothes, which is sure to be an entertaining contest. Kinross, who play in Scottish Hydro Electric Caledonia Division 1 are relatively pleased with the pairing. Douglas Cruickshank, Kinross president, said: “We’ve played Glenrothes 2nd XV but not their 1st XV this season. I think we will give them a run for their money. We’ve had a tough start to the season due to injuries and players moving to other clubs or players retiring but we have a strong, enthusiastic team and we have been progressing throughout the year, I think it will be a good game.” Jules Glendinning, president of Glenrothes, said: “Having been drawn away to Kinross is not a disadvantage. It’s just along the road and will allow our fans to come and support us without too much traveling. However, if we had been drawn against the team furthest away we would have still been happy, we are part of Scottish Rugby and are happy to go wherever. “Kinross play in Caledonia League, Division 1 and we play in National League Division 3 so I think we will put on a strong performance, hopefully with the outcome we want, a win.”
Ties are to be played on Saturday 2 February.
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