GALA full-back Graham Speirs says Saturday’s BT Cup clash with rivals Hawick is a much-needed “shift of focus” for his side.

The struggling Maroons have lost their last seven league matches and currently sit bottom of the BT Premiership, four points behind Saturday’s opponents.

But Speirs insists the team will be focussed on the cup at the weekend.

He told the Border Telegraph: “We are looking forward to Saturday’s game, because it is a shift of focus.

“Our recent league record speaks for itself and this game will give us the chance to put ourselves in a good position and reach the quarter finals of the cup. That is something we could all look forward to, and playing Hawick is always extra special.”

The Maroons reached the last 16 after seeing off GHA 31-14, while Hawick defeated Marr 31-6, back in November.

And both sides will be looking for a confidence boost as they are set to face each other again in the next league match on February 11.

Speirs added: “Of course there will be comparisons made between the two games, but the cup game is a different prospect. It’s a weight off our shoulders. 
“There will also be the added edge of playing at Mansfield Park in the league game, which is obviously different to playing at Netherdale.

“I think we were much improved against Heriot’s, despite losing, but we just lacked a little when getting to the line and putting points on the board. But beating Hawick on Saturday will help us build confidence going into the next two league games.”

Kick off is at 3pm at Netherdale.

Elsewhere league table-toppers Melrose are also in cup action. They face Currie at the Greenyards.

Rob Chrystie’s side go into the game after a hard-fought 46-41 game against Watsonians and have won their last seven BT Premiership matches.

And they will also be looking go one better than last season which saw them lose out to Heriot’s in the cup final at Murrayfield back in April.

That game kicks off at 1.30pm.

Meanwhile, Selkirk will play Falkirk in the BT National League Division 1.

The Souters saw off Edinburgh Accies on Saturday and sit fifth in the table, just five points behind Falkirk who are a place above them.

Graham Marshall’s team have won their last three and will go into the re-arranged fixture as slight favourites.

Kick off at Philiphaugh is at 3pm.