That Win Made Us All Feel A Lot Better This Morning

WOW! I didn't see that coming. I refer of course to Glasgow's bonus-point win over Munster last night. Don't get me wrong, I was always confident in Warriors' ability to beat a less-than-full-strength Munster, but, I reckoned the winning margin would be a lot closer. The great thing is too, it was a far from perfect performance from Glasgow. They can, and will, get better as the season progresses and they become used to Coach Rennie and his demands.

Dave Rennie - a happy chap, and rightly so

Glasgow's ambition, their willingness to run the ball from anywhere is refreshing – no wonder Gregor Townsend, when featured on the BBC2 coverage, was smiling. That sort of stuff will work just as well in the international arena. And, how good to see some of the lesser lights standing up to be counted. I bow to nobody in my admiration for Mark Bennett, it must have been a difficult decision to send him to Edinburgh; but, at least Huw Jones was coming in as a like for like. Did we really see Nick Grigg being able to step up and make a case for weekly appearances? Townsend now has genuine choices in the centre.

I was a bit concerned that maybe Grigg and Peter Horne would be too-wee to cope with the Munster midfield, but, I was wrong. And, what a brave display from Leo Sarto, after his early ankle injury. Scott Cummings is another who stood up to be counted last night. I have watched this kid develop in the Premiership, he's the real deal.

It wasn't perfect, however, the scrum needs work – a lot of work. I am becoming concerned at the number of times Zander Fagerson is pinged, however. Nothing wrong there, a wee technical change and all should be well, but, the scrum must be better. George Turner has been winning praise fr his performances, but, he appears to be suffering from the Achilles heel of all Scottish hookers – too-often the pressure throws, within ten metres of either line, go awry. I know, it's not just about the hooker at the touchlines, but, with Scottish teams, we don't convert when it matters. It's like a golfer, getting onto the green in regulation, then three-putting – Turner, like the other Scottish hookers, needs to get it right more-often.

 Nigel Owens - pictured here on the left, with another good referee, was excellent on Friday night at Scotstoun

And finally – before we consign the game to the history bin – what about the referee? Nigel Owens simply has to dip onto the downhill slope sooner or later, that's a fact of life, but, for as long as he puts in performances like last night's, we must cherish him. That was as close to a faultless performance as we will in all probability ever see – he was the best man on the park by a mile.

I am often accused by some of the high heid yins in Scottish refereeing, of having a downer on the men in the middle. Not true, I've tried refereeing, it's bloody difficult, but, when it is done properly, as by Nigel on Friday night, it adds so much to the game. And, we must never forget – we could not have a game without the oft-maligned men with the whistle. The Owens master class at Scotstoun was a reminder of how much they contribute.

TONIGHT, the focus switches to Edinburgh, who are on potentially stoney ground at Parc Y Scarlets. The Champions will be hurting after last week's loss, which doesn't make the task of an Edinburgh team, whose fans will be demanding they make amends for their loss to Benetton, any easier. A clearly, and rightly, unhappy coach Richard Cockerill, has rang the changes, seven of them. It is maybe a bit much to expect Edinburgh to win in Wales, but, a narrow defeat is the very least their put-upon fans will demand.

IN SCOTLAND, however, today's main focus is on the BT Premiership, with some interesting games on offer.

Perhaps the best of these will be the Greenyards clash of runaway league leaders Melrose and Glasgow Hawks, two teams who seem to be embracing the new spirit in Scottish rugby of: let's throw the ball around and try to score tries. Melrose have carried all before them, they cruised past Ayr last week, and, on home turf, will be expected to win again. However, Hawks are hurting from failing to beat Heriot's last week, and if Melrose are in any way “off”, the Glasgow gang could win.

 Bahamian internationalist George Hunter is back for Ayr today

Currie entertain Ayr in another game which should be worth the admission money, at Malleny Park. The visitors have the influential George Hunter and Scott Sutherland back in their pack, but, are still without scrum-half David Armstrong. This could be another close one, and Ayr may have to wait another week before they taste victory.

Having won at Mansfield Park last Saturday – which nobody expected, Marr return to Fullarton Park, to entertain a Watsonians side who also had a heartening win last week. If both sides play to their best, this should be an entertaining 80 minutes. A special word here for Marr centre Colin Sturgeon, who chalks-up a remarkable 100^th straight first-team game this afternoon.

In Edinburgh, the big game, at least within the city boundaries, is the Goldenacre clash of Heriot's and Hawick. This is one of the traditional big club games of the amateur era. There will not be talent of the calibre of Scotland, Irvine or the Milne brothers in the home ranks, or a Renwick, Stevenson or McLeod in the famous green shirt, but, this will still be a hard-fought and potentially entertaining encounter, as will the final match on the card, the Bridgehaugh clash of Stirling County and Boroughmuir, two clubs, both of whom need a win.