With champions and league leaders Watsonians having a fallow weekend, Ayrshire Bulls and Heriot’s meet at Millbrae tonight knowing that a bonus-point win for either would take them to the top of the Super Series table.
Visitors Heriot’s have a perfect 10 out of 10 points so far, having followed up their big opening-night win at Boroughmuir Bears with a narrow victory over Stirling Wolves last weekend. Like their Edinburgh rivals, the Bulls are on 10 points, but they have played a game more, having lost at home to Watsonians before getting back on the winning trail against the Wolves then the Southern Knights.
While the Bulls are normally favourites to win on home ground, their head coach Pat MacArthur expects a tough battle, having seen his side just get the better of Heriot’s in the Sprint final earlier in the year. "Heriot's are a well-balanced side, posing threats both at set piece and out wide," he said. "It will be a physical and bruising encounter if the last two fixtures are anything to go by.”
MacArthur’s counterpart Ben Cairns believes his Heriot’s side were fortunate to beat the Wolves 34-31 last week, but thinks the strength shown by his team in adversity then could help them tonight. "Last week’s match was a real nail-biter and one we probably could have, should have lost," he said.
"There was a bit of rustiness having returned from an early bye week, but it was really pleasing to see the guys dig in at the end to get the win. That last defensive effort is something we will need to replicate for large portions of Friday night’s match if we are to get the desired result.”
The fourth round of games is completed tomorrow [Sat] when the Wolves are at home to the Future XV and the Southern Knights visit the Bears.
