North Berwick and Ross High face opening day derby

While there is excitement at all three clubs, the spotlight will quickly fall on one of the county’s most familiar rivalries as North Berwick and Ross High meet in Saturday’s opening fixture.

The clubs finished separated by only three points last season, with Ross High ending the campaign in fifth and North Berwick just behind them after a points deduction affected their final tally.

As well as chasing league points, both sides will be looking to gain early bragging rights in what promises to be another closely fought campaign.

The opening weekend also marks North Berwick’s 75th anniversary celebrations, with events taking place throughout the day before and after the match.

Ross High begin the season under new leadership, after Callum Low took over as head coach during the summer. The former rugby development officer is eager to help establish a strong future for the Tranent club by strengthening the pathway between youth and senior rugby.

“For me, that pathway is vital,” he said.

“If we have a clear pathway into the senior set-up, it creates sustainability for your senior team.

“In the East Region, we are battling with bigger clubs and need to be creating platforms for young players to play for their local club and alongside their friends.”

Low believes Ross High are well placed to build on last season’s fifth-place finish and has been encouraged by strong player numbers and positive pre-season performances.

He said: “Ross High has everything you could ask for – a fantastic group of players, dedicated volunteers, outstanding facilities that many clubs would envy and a real sense of pride that runs throughout the club.

“Success won’t happen overnight, but with the commitment, attitude and talent already within the club, I’m confident we can build something everyone associated with Ross High can be proud of.”

North Berwick are hoping to continue their own rebuilding process after a challenging spell in recent years.

The club withdrew from National League Division Four two seasons ago because of player shortages, but there is renewed confidence that the Recreation Park side are moving in the right direction.

Assistant coach Connor Johnson believes the opening-day encounter with Ross High is the perfect way to begin the campaign.

“Last year, we had Haddington as well in the same league,” he said.

“Rugby has changed a lot and the rivalries are not as fiery as they used to be.

“It has always been have a pint and a good laugh with Ross High.

“We have helped them out in the past and they have done the same for us.”

Johnson added that there was a real buzz around the club as players, volunteers and supporters prepared to celebrate the landmark anniversary season.

“We have got quite a big day for the club,” he said.

“Ross High have said they will stick about for a few beers.”

While Ross High and North Berwick prepare for their derby clash, Dunbar head into the new campaign hoping to continue one of the most impressive periods in the club’s recent history.

The Hallhill side stormed to the East Region League Division Two title in 2025 before finishing runners-up in Division One last season, pushing champions Haddington all the way in the title race.

Dunbar (green and white) will be looking to build on two impressive seasons

Head coach Damian Jones is keen to ensure that the club continues moving forward.

“We just want to keep progressing,” he said.

“That is what the boys wanted to do last season. On our day, we competed with very good sides but showed there were areas where we are still needing to improve.

“Our challenge is to be more consistent.”

Dunbar start their campaign at home against newly promoted Corstorphine, another side expected to be highly competitive after winning Division Two last season.

Jones believes the standard across the league is continuing to improve, making predictions difficult ahead of the new campaign.

“There are lots of sides that have strengthened,” he said.

“There are also two very good sides who have come up from East Region League Division Two and will have their own ambitions.”

Despite Dunbar’s recent success, the coach is keeping expectations grounded.

“There is no end target, other than to, hopefully, have another very good season,” he said.