Watsonians captain Mark Rennie has recovered from injury and will start away to Stewart’s Melville this afternoon in an RBS National League that has already thrown up plenty thrills and spills in the opening fortnight.


The Myreside men lost on the first weekend to Glasgow Hawks before bouncing back seven days ago with a ruthless performance to see off Jed-Forest 78-3.

With former Scotland A cap Rennie restored to the second-row along with Ali Rowe, who has more than 100 appearances for the first XV under his belt, on the wing they head to Inverleith in confident mood.

Watsonians head coach Marcus Di Rollo said: “I was really pleased with the some of the rugby the guys played against Jed last week and what was most pleasing for me was that they never took their foot off the gas.

“Last season we were on top against some teams, but never pushed on and closed games out. The players are now a year older and wiser with more matches under their belts and we need to use the Jed performance as a stepping stone for the coming weeks.”

Young players in the Watsonians ranks who will be key this season include Scotland Sevens cap Jack Ferguson and Tom Hart, while the experience of players such as Rennie, Andrew Joseph and a fit-again Tom Wright will be crucial if they are to sustain a bid for a top-two place.

Stewart’s Melville are playing their third home match on the spin and with a draw and a 
defeat recorded so far will be looking to kick-start their 
season in this one.

After last week’s superb second-half showing at Biggar, teenage scrum-half Sean Yacoubian keeps his place in the starting XV as Glasgow Hawks get ready to host Kelso.

A number of other changes have also been made to the squad, but it still looks strong with the likes of Tom Preece on the bench.

Hawks’ co-coach Jamie Dempsey said: “This game will no doubt be a very physical confrontation where both teams will be showing their character. The breakdown will be a key 
factor in determining the 
outcome of this game.”

Elsewhere today, leaders Hillhead-Jordanhill are on the road to Hawick with the latter still looking for their first win, the bottom two meet at Riverside Park with Jed-Forest facing Biggar and Selkirk and Hamilton will be up against each other at Philiphaugh.

This article was posted on 8-Sep-2012, 06:25 by Hugh Barrow.