(for the Bill McLaren Shield)Venue: MillbraeKick-off time:\u00a03pm<\/p>\n
Teams \u2013<\/p>\n
Ayr: R Orr; C Van Wyk, J Shedden, A Stirrat, C Hyde; B Beattie, C McGarey; C Rae, A McGuire, C Henderson, O Baird, R Jackson, L McNamara, T Brown, B Macpherson \u00a9. Subs: J Paton, J Drummond, R Sayce, E Bloodworth, F Johnston, S Watson, R Sweeney.<\/p>\n
Kelso: A Barbour; H Tweedie, A Hall, F Robson, J Thompson; D Patterson co-\u00a9, W Tweedie; A McGregor, J Utterson, D Gamble co-\u00a9, E Thompson, C Thompson, Billy McNeil, W Jones, Bruce McNeil. Subs: E Knox, G Shiells, N Barnes, G Law, A Tait, A Utterson, M Jackson.<\/p>\n
Referee: Ciaran Stark<\/p>\n
Key clash: Andy Stirrat versus Frankie Robson<\/p>\n
Team news \u2013<\/p>\n
Ayr: Cameron Van Wyk is released by the Glasgow Warriors academy to start on the wing in place of fellow academy prospect Brent Jackson. Andy Stirrat, Chris Hyde, Cameron McGarey, Caleb Rae, Alex McGuire, Calvin Henderson and Oscar Baird rotate into the run-on XV. Scott Watson, Fergus Johnston, Jamie Drummond and Ed Bloodworth drop to the bench, while Luca Berdelli, Jamie McAughtrie and Rhod Tanner drop out of the match-day 23 altogether. Teenager Jake Paton provides hooker cover, while Ryan Sweeney returns and will make an impact off the bench.<\/p>\n
Kelso: Angus McGregor and Dan Gamble swap in as starting props for the benched Grant Shiells and Nick Barnes. Cammy Thompson returns in the second-row with Gregor Law moving to the reserves list, and\u00a0 Will Tweedie swaps into the No 9 jersey with Andy Tait.<\/p>\n
Coaches\u2019 comments \u2013<\/p>\n
Ayr head coach Grant Anderson\u00a0said:<\/p>\n
We are looking forward to getting back out on the grass at Millbrae. Last season\u2019s performance against Kelso was one of the best we had so we are keen to replicate similar standards this Saturday. We have rotated the squad and Thursday night was excellent so it should be a good game.<\/p>\n
Kelso co-coach Bruce McNeil\u00a0said:<\/p>\n
The toughest assignment on the fixture card is Ayr away for many reasons. We are in good shape as a squad despite the last two performances being under par. We now have an opportunity to play with no pressure on ourselves. <\/p>\n
TOL verdict: Kelso were walloped 66-7 the last time they visited Millbrae in January and they know that they face another tough afternoon this weekend. While the challenge of giving everyone game-time could negatively impact the home team\u2019s fluidity, there is enough power, ability and rugby nous to ensure that there won\u2019t be a slip-up here. Home win.<\/p>\n
Venue: Malleny ParkKick-off time:\u00a03pm<\/p>\n
Teams \u2013<\/p>\n
Currie Chieftains: C Brett; K McGovern, E Crombie, S Robeson, F Sayers; A Harley, G Christie \u00a9; J Stewart, T Jeffrey C Ramsay, R Davies, A Bain, S Cardosi, A Fletcher, E Hasdell. Subs: A Maxwell, G Scougall, A Hoggarth, R Morrison, C Faulds, C Gattinby, A McCall.<\/p>\n
GHA: F Jackson; S Whyte, J Ventisei, N Thompson, E McKirdy; A Goudie, B Curtis; S Collins, R Campbell, C MacGregor, A Kerr, H McKenzie, O Lonergan Black, D Ewing \u00a9, L McCutcheon. Subs: E McGovern, L Hodge, S Callaghan, M Conroy, G Baird, G Drummond, J Henderson.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Referee: Michael Todd<\/p>\n
Key clash: Archie Fletcher versus Dario Ewing<\/p>\n
Team news \u2013<\/p>\n
Currie Chieftains:\u00a0Thankfully, the\u00a0 neck injury Chris Anderson sustained against Hawick last week is not as serious as first feared, but he\u2019ll be sidelined for the next few weeks, so Thomas Jeffrey is the next prop to step in to the problematic hooker role, with available Alex Maxwell coming onto the bench. Cairn Ramsey starts at tight-head with Gregor Scougall moving to the bench in an otherwise unchanged pack. The only change to the starting backline sees Kody McGovern take over from the concussed Ryan Daley on the wing, while Glen Faulds is added to the bench.<\/p>\n
GHA: Injuries to Ross Nolan and Michael Hughes sees Ben Curtis come back in at scrum-half with Euan McKirdy starting on the wing and Johnny Ventisei released by the Glasgow Warriors Academy to start at outside-centre. On the other wing, Struan Whyte makes debut after impressing when in the opposition with Dundee last season. In the forwards, Ollie McKenna and Michael Fox miss out through illness and injury respectively, giving the opportunity for Sam Collins and Callum MacGregor to start following impressive outings from the bench in recent weeks. The disruptive Oscar Lonergan Black starts at blindside with Matthew Conroy rotating to the bench.<\/p>\n
Coaches\u2019 comments \u2013<\/p>\n
Currie Chieftains head coach\u00a0Mark Cairns\u00a0said:<\/p>\n
We were disappointed with our performance against Hawick last week, but credit to Hawick for the way they fronted up at home after a tough start to the season. They played with the energy and commitment we expect of ourselves, and ultimately we came off second best in the contact area, which was clear to see on review.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ve been honest as a group this week and we\u2019ve worked hard to make improvements. GHA have made an excellent start to the season despite their last two results against Heriot\u2019s and Ayr. They\u2019ll have learned a lot from those games and will be better for them.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s going to be a tough match, and we know we\u2019ll need to lift our performance levels if we\u2019re to take the points.<\/p>\n
GHA director of rugby Calum Forrester said:<\/p>\n
Last week we gave too much respect to Ayr in the early stages of the game. Currie will be hurting after their loss away to Hawick so we are fully aware that we cannot afford to start the same way, otherwise it will be a long afternoon at Malleny Park. However, if we bring the same physicality that we brought in the second half against Ayr, then we will be able to challenge Currie up front and create chances, in what should be an entertaining game for the neutral. \u00a0<\/p>\n
TOL verdict: This is the third instalment in a tough run of four games for newly promoted GHA against each of last season\u2019s play-off sides. They are zero from two in that mini-series at the moment, but have shown plenty of resolve against Heriot\u2019s away and Ayr at home. They\u2019re up against a Currie side breathing fire after being bullied out of the away game against Hawick last week, and although it should be tight, we expect Chieftains to just edge it. Home win.<\/p>\n
Venue: GoldenacreKick-off time:\u00a03pm<\/p>\n
Teams \u2013<\/p>\n
Heriot\u2019s: A Hunter; N Sakapaji, T Glendinning, H Kesterton, M Wallace; C Jessop, H MacArthur; A Munro, E Young, S Cessford, P Spence, N Doherty, E McVie, R Kirkpartick \u00a9, J Hill \u00a9. Subs: R Jackson, T Kaijaks, R Brown, M Keough, C Anderson, S Talac, Z Smith.<\/p>\n
Selkirk: C Anderson; J Welsh, A Grant-Suttie, B Allan, B Pickles; R Wolfenden, H Alderson; L Pettie, C Tait co-\u00a9, B Riddell, A McColm co-\u00a9, J Fisher, M Job, T Wilson, K Westlake. Subs: J Bett, G Paxton, R Joyce, M Rutherford, O McClymont, L Ferguson, M Clemenstonn<\/p>\n
Referee: Ian Kenny<\/p>\n
Key clash: Calum Jessop versus Ross Wolfenden<\/p>\n
Team news \u2013<\/p>\n
Heriot\u2019s: Ben Salmon has joined the Scotland 7s squad so Gus Hunter start at 15 with the rest of the back division is unchanged from last week. Up front, Ruaridh Leishman, Sam Wallace and Euan McLaren are all unavailable. Euan McVie is released by the Edinburgh Rugby Academy and will start at blindside, Struan Cessford will pick up where he left off last week at tight-head, and Jason Hill will drop back to his favoured position of No 8.<\/p>\n
Selkirk: Edinburgh Rugby Academy\u2019s Ross Wolfenden starts at stand-off after some big impacts off the bench in recents weeks so Morris Clementson moves to the replacements list, and Brodie Allan returns at inside-centre in place of Ross Nixon. Oliver McClymont and Lachlan Ferguson come in to cover the backline. There\u2019s no changes to the pack.<\/p>\n
Coaches\u2019 comments \u2013<\/p>\n
Heriot\u2019s head coach Bob McKillop\u00a0said:<\/p>\n
Third game in an October mini series that we are focusing on. Last week, in patches, our broken field rugby was excellent, as was our defensive commitment and discipline. We will need more of the same tomorrow as Selkirk are on a good run and are packed with quality players.<\/p>\n
Selkirk head coach Gordon Henderson said<\/p>\n
Another crucial game for us this week against a Heriot\u2019s team who have an exciting backline that\u2019s been getting plaudits all week. They play heads-up attacking rugby and if they get front-foot ball they will pressure our defensive line. We put in another big shift last week to get the win over Glasgow Hawks but we know there is parts of our game we need to get better at. Heading up to Goldenacre, our performance has to be focussed and clinical to stay in the game, and if we take our chances and play smart rugby then we can push Heriots for the points.<\/p>\n
TOL verdict: Two teams in a winning groove and some consistency in selection. Heriot\u2019s are missing some senior forwards, but have decent depth up front, and if they can provide their exciting backs with good front-foot possession then they will do some damage against a Selkirk side who got away with taking their eye off the ball in the final quarter last week but won\u2019t be so lucky if it happens a second time at Goldenacre. Home win.<\/p>\n
Venue:\u00a0The GreenyardsKick-off time:\u00a03pm<\/p>\n
Teams \u2013<\/p>\n
Melrose: D Crawford; F Douglas, C Goldsbrough, D Mulcahy, P Anderson; L Karl, S Clark; B White, H Morris, A Arkley, O Furness, A Runciman \u00a9, W Ferrie, S Derrick, E Ruthven. Subs: J Dobie, C Scott, Z Szwagrzak, A Weir, H Bowe, J Coull, R Brett.<\/p>\n
Glasgow Hawks: J Couper; L Jarvie, M Waugh, P Kelly, J Hastings; L Brims, S Steele; M Morrison, T McTeir, B Sweet, M Crumlish, M Oliver, Y Shaheen, A Rutherford, S Hastings.\u00a0Subs: P Cairncross \u00a9, F Anderson, A Orr, A Syme, C Reidy, G Cruickshank, E Muirhead.<\/p>\n
Referee: David Young<\/p>\n
Key clash: Declan Mulcahy versus Paddy Kelly<\/p>\n
Team news \u2013<\/p>\n
Melrose: Harri Morris is released by the Edinburgh Rugby Academy to start at hooker as one of four changes to the starting pack, with second-row Oli Furness, blindside Will Ferrie and openside Sam Derrick the other new faces. In the backline, Donald Crawford returns ay 15 so Finn Douglas reverts to the wing, and Logan Karl swaps in as starting stand-off for the benched Roly Brett.<\/p>\n
Glasgow Hawks: Ryan Flett, Tom Bantalava and Alex Bryden drop our through injury and Scotland sevens commitments. This sees Max Crumlish and Finlay Anderson come into the squad for the first time this weekend. Former Glasgow Warriors and Scotland 7s man Paddy Kelly starts at inside-centre after making an impact off the bench in last week\u2019s loss to Selkirk, while the return of captain Paul Cairncross and Euan Muirhead gives the bench real punch.<\/p>\n
Coaches\u2019 comments \u2013<\/p>\n
Melrose co-coach Scott Wight\u00a0said:<\/p>\n
This week has been about working very hard on the small jobs that we\u2019ve just not got right\/clicked over the last few weeks, as we\u2019ve been so close. Boys are very excited to get back out on The Greenyards tomorrow, which will be against a Hawks side fighting for everything.<\/p>\n
Glasgow Hawks head coach Phil Smith said:<\/p>\n
Game eight and we are still guilty of giving the opposition easy scores meaning we seem to be continually chasing games. So, this weekend we really want to make it difficult for Melrose to hit their straps as they are clearly a team who can and will play from all over so we can\u2019t afford to switch off. While on the flip we get ourselves going early and impose ourselves into the match.<\/p>\n
TOL verdict: A return trip to the Borders for Hawks following last weekend\u2019s loss at Selkirk, and an opportunity to pick up their first away win this season at the fifth time of asking, but they\u2019ll have to start better and play with much more focus\/purpose than they did for large swathes of last week\u2019s game. Melrose now prop up the table with just one win from seven matches played, but five losing bonus-points and a differential of just -11 shows that they have been competitive, and they will target this as a huge match to kick-start their faltering season. Narrow home win.<\/p>\n
Venue: MyresideKick-off time: 3pm<\/p>\n
Teams \u2013<\/p>\n
Watsonians:\u00a0D Coetzer; H Fisher, R Kerr, H Clark, L MacPherson; A McLean, M Scott; D Voas, M Pritchard, C Lamberton, C Lindsay, L Ball, K Van Niekirk \u00a9, S Allison, H Jackaman. Subs: B Cooper, C Murphy, O Blyth-Lafferty, F Ronnie, F Stewart, A McKenzie, H Widdowson.<\/p>\n
Hawick: C Welsh; S McMichan, A Mitchell, G Huggan, C McLeod; K Brunton, Z Lewis; C Crawley, J Blyth-Lafferty, N Little, H Donaldson, S Byrd, F Renwick \u00a9, M Swailes, C Sutherland.\u00a0Subs: S Muir, T Overson, J Brown, W Donaldson, G Welsh, B Jardine, O Gray.<\/p>\n
Referee: Rob McDowell<\/p>\n
Key clash: Kwagga van Niekerk versus Fraser Renwick<\/p>\n
Team news \u2013<\/p>\n
Watsonians: Murray Scott rotates in as starting scrum-half with Adam McKenzie who moves to the bench, and it is the same routine at hooker with Matthew Pritchard starting and Boyd Cooper benched.<\/p>\n
Hawick: Mikey Jones isn\u2019t released by Edinburgh this week so Connor Crawley starts at loose-head with the massively experienced Shawn Muir returning to the squad as prop cover on the bench. Guillaume Moroldo has left the club after issues with his visa so Mikey Swailes comes into the back-row. Zach Lewis switches to scrum-half in place of Hector Patterson who broke his arm last week, with Kyle Brunton starting at stand-off. Grant Huggan replaces Findlay Thomson in the centre, and Sean McMichan is rewarded for his perseverance with a second appearance and first start on the right wing. Last season\u2019s Hawick Youth captain Jack Brown is set for a debut off the bench.<\/p>\n
Coaches\u2019 comments \u2013<\/p>\n
Watsonians head coach Davey Wilson said:<\/p>\n
Hawick will arrive at Myreside buoyed by a great result last week against an in-form Currie side, giving a good reflection on how competitive the league has been so far. From a Watsonians perspective, getting maximum points against Melrose was essential to keep us competing at the right end of the league and we need to back that up with another strong performance. However, Hawick will provide a very different challenge for us this week bringing a much more pragmatic style, which will be physical and direct. Having been on the road for the past two weeks we are looking forward to playing on our home pitch and confronting the challenge that Hawick will bring at Myreside.<\/p>\n
Hawick head coach Graham Hogg\u00a0said:<\/p>\n
The message this week has been pretty simple: we need to build on last week\u2019s performance and take the momentum we\u2019ve got from our home draw against Heriot\u2019s and that win over Currie Chieftains on the road. We\u2019ve made a few tweaks to our game-plan in recent and we want to keep developing that. We know that any result away from home can make a big difference to your prospects in a really tight league.<\/p>\n
TOL verdict: An intriguing sub-plot of this game will be if Ollie Blyth-Lafferty gets off the bench for Watsonians in time to face-off against older brother Jerry, who is starting at hooker for Hawick. Last weeks\u2019s home win over high-flying Chieftains lifted spirits at Mansfield Park, but they know that they are still a long way from being out of the woods. They are missing three of the academy players who bolstered their ranks last week, but that was a triumph of attitude rather than personnel, so the question is whether they can replicate their home intensity on the road. Watsonians also enjoyed a pressure-relieving win last week, and have continuity of selection. Home win.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"(for the Bill McLaren Shield)Venue: MillbraeKick-off time:\u00a03pm Teams \u2013 Ayr: R Orr; C Van Wyk, J Shedden, A…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":208005,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[89567,89568,54026,89569,89570,89571,89572,89573,89574,5903,89575,101,56,54,55,89576],"class_list":{"0":"post-208004","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-rugby","8":"tag-ayr-rfc","9":"tag-currie-chieftains","10":"tag-divi","11":"tag-gha-rfc","12":"tag-glasgow-hawks-rfc","13":"tag-hawick-rfc","14":"tag-heriots-rugby-club","15":"tag-kelso-rfc","16":"tag-melrose-rfc","17":"tag-rugby","18":"tag-selkirk-rfc","19":"tag-sports","20":"tag-uk","21":"tag-united-kingdom","22":"tag-unitedkingdom","23":"tag-watsonians-rfc"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208004","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=208004"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/208004\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/208005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=208004"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=208004"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=208004"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}