Rugby: Even playing field for Cup ties

With no pro players involved competition will be evenly balanced with Gala (home) and Hawick (away) meeting Premiership rivals Glasgow Hawks and Boroughmuir on a level playing field.

Selkirk have an early opportunity to test themselves against next years opposition when they welcome National One side Musselburgh to Philiphaugh while Jed-Forest travel to play National Two side Preston Lodge.

Having finished in the top four last season Melrose don’t join the Cup competition until the next round but have a huge task before them when Premiership rivals Currie come calling at the Greenyards.

“It will be a massive game for both clubs in the battle for a top four place,” said Melrose director of rugby Mike Dalgetty.

“A win for either side will cement that much wanted spot so it’s certainly not going to be a place for the faint hearted.”

Kelso, who exited the Cup in the first round, travel to play Howe of Fife for a rescheduled National League One fixture.