TWO of Scottish rugby's oldest clubs go head-to-head when Greenock Wanderers host West of Scotland, writes John Dyer.

The fixture is steeped in history and in West's heyday in the 1960s and 70s they boasted a host of Scotland's greatest players.

Myself and a few other former Wanderers from that era were soundly beaten in a few games by the 100-point mark when we faced the might of West during the Milngavie club's golden age.

In mitigation to my former team members, West at that time had a side with at least seven international players and a couple of British Lions.

Notable players from this era included Sandy Carmichael, Peter Brown, Alastair McHarg as well as Scotland and British Lions legend Gordon Brown, nicknamed 'Broon frea Troon'.

Flash forward to tomorrow's encounter at Fort Matilda, both teams will have aspirations to climb the Tennent's National League Division Three table after a mixed start to the campaign.

The Greenock side were soundly beaten by league leaders Hillhead last Saturday.

Wanderers are boosted by the return of many key players, including Leigh Tyley and Andrew McDougall in the backs.

Martin Lavelle, Andrew Love and Louie Hoodless are also set to come back into the side and will be aiming to get their season back on track and secure their second home victory of the season.

Head coach Grant Sweenie may make other changes in his search for a team playing to his style.

West have won two of their four games played so far.

Like the Greenock men, they have already suffered a heavy mauling this season, going down 82-10 to Howe of Fife.

However, they bounced back with a big win last week against Strathmore.

West also picked up a 37-10 victory against Ardrossan, who incidentally have only played two games so far, earlier in the season.

Looking back at my playing days, I cannot recall defeating West, however, Wanderers defeated West home and away in the 2019-20 season before Covid curtailed the campaign.

Hopefully Sweenie's men can pull off another memorable result.

With a pre-match lunch, it is hoped the club are hoping to get another good support.

There will be plenty of points scored - but by whom?

Elsewhere the 2nds are at Dumfries and the ladies travel to play Hamilton Under-18s at Cartha.

l Greenock Wanderers are sponsored by MM Search.