Club rugby is largely taking a break while the Autumn Internationals are ongoing but there’s a derby weekend for the National League clubs this weekend.
At Mayfield, after three successive defeats Dundee need to put one over on their old friends Aberdeen Grammar, who have found the drop back to National League One a whole lot more troublesome than they might have imagined.
They’ve recovered from a tough start to lie seventh, one place behind High, but neither look like promotion candidates. Oddly, Grammar haven’t won away from home so far this season.
The derby between Kirkcaldy and Howe of Fife at Beveridge Park reckons to be more competitive than last year’s meetings, both won handsomely by Howe.
The Cupar side found themselves back on top of the division after only a week, as they romped to three figures over Livingston and Falkirk lost at Hamilton. It’s a timely reminder that this division is not just a two-horse race.
Kirkcaldy’s loss to Musselburgh last week dropped them into the bottom half of the table but there is no need for panic as they have still made big strides on last season. Giving Howe the same sort of game they gave Falkirk two weeks ago will confirm their improvement.
The third derby of the weekend sees Dunfermline and Perthshire lock horns at McKane Park. Dunfie were brought back to earth after their win over leaders Dumfries by shipping 50 points to Hawick YM.
Shire had to share the spoils in a thriller with Irvine last week, although Dan Rae got over the line in the last play of the game but was held up.
They did the double over Dunfie on the way to winning Caledonia League One last year.
BT League matches this weekend (2pm kick-offs):
Premiership: Melrose v Stirling County.
National League One: Dundee HSFP v Aberdeen Grammar.
League Two: Kirkcaldy v Howe of Fife.
League Three: Dunfermline v Perthshire.
Caledonia Division Two Midlands: Stirling Univ v Madras Rugby.
Caledonia Division Three Midlands West: Perthshire II v Grangemouth II.