Gala and Hawick square up in battle

Gala (in their familiar maroon) are the hosts for Saturday's BT Cup match against Hawick (picture by Alwyn Johnston)

The sides, occupying the bottom two slots in the BT Premsiership table, face off on February 11 at Mansfield Park in the penultimate match of the campaign.

However, each is determined – while showing each other respect – to put in a superior performance this weekend at Netherdale, after both were defeated last Saturday. The temporary respite from league tribulations may also help them build a fresh focus for the run-in.

Gala captain Graham Speirs said: “It’s a chance to go out without the prospect of gaining points in the league hanging over our head. It’s a fresh challenge and, obviously, we have the cherry of a Scottish Cup quarter-final to go for. With it being against Hawick, there’s that added local rivalry, which is always good.”

Speirs added Gala fancied a win if they could apply the same “physicality and intensity” they showed against Heriot’s, despite a 26-0 loss.

Suspended Hawick skipper Bruce McNeil reckoned his clubmates would be keen to make amends for their “passive” and “lackadaisical” showing against Currie.

“Gala is always a difficult game and we are fully aware of the challenges they will give us,” he added.

“The stresses of the league may be off us slightly but we are quite an ambitious club and a competitive team, and we want to get as far as we can in the cup as well.”