Leith take a break from league action this weekend, with the 1st round proper of the Edinburgh Shield - Scottish Rugby's cup competition for teams in East Division 1 and East Division 2....that are based in Edinburgh. With the sides finishing lowest in East 2 the previous season playing preliminary fixtures to advance into the 1st round proper (essentially quarterfinals), Leith received a bye into this stage on account of our top 6 finish last year, and so face North Berwick, who currently sit 2nd in East 1, and look to be in a 2-way battle with Hawick Harlequins for the championship, and probably national league elevation. Unless their absolutely has to be 11 teams in East 1 again next year...

Leith and North Berwick haven't played much in recent years, save for a friendly in early January 2016, which saw a spirited performance from the Leithers at Recreation Park, before eventually falling comfortably to the hosts.

Saturday's early kick off(11am) to accommodate plans for the Scotland game gives you the perfect opportunity for a fantastic day of rugby viewing at Leith, with the North Berwick fixture on Academy Park, before retiring to the clubhouse for Scotland vs Samoa (2.30pm KO), and Wales vs Australia (5.15pm KO).

Meanwhile the 2s will make the short trip to Musselburgh to take on their 3rd XV in East Development league action, again in an 11am KO, to allow players and supporters to get back to Leith (or Murrayfield) for the national team game.

See you on Saturday!