Selkirk welcome back key man Fraser Harkness as they look to keep up their unbeaten start to the RBS National League campaign when they travel to Hughenden to take on Hillhead/Jordanhill this afternoon.


The Souters have edged victories in their first three matches of the season against Kelso (19-16), Hawick (30-26) and Hamilton (23-20) and head to Glasgow with Scotland Sevens cap Harkness included at full-back.

Former captain Harkness missed the match against Hamilton seven days ago, but his presence at the back and strong running will give his side confidence in this one.

Also returning to the starting XV is Kiwi second-row Matt Kissick, and Selkirk head coach Brian Cassidy said: “I’m looking for a big improvement after last Saturday’s below-par display. Yes, our early victories have given us a base to work from, but the players know they’ve still got a long way to go before they reach their true potential, and that this will only be achieved through commitment and hard graft.”

The hosts have delayed making their team public, but head coach Drew Busby will not want his side on the wrong end of a defeat by a Borders team for a second week in a row after losing to Hawick last time around.

The only other unbeaten team left apart from Selkirk are leaders Glasgow Hawks, who bring in Andy Fleming at full-back after he recovered from injury for the trip to Hamilton.

Co-coach Jamie Dempsey said: “It will no doubt be a very competitive clash with two teams that both try to play expansive rugby. After last season’s first competitive meeting of the two teams, this promises to be an exciting game and we are looking forward to our first trip to Laigh Bent.”

Third placed Watsonians give South African prop Riaan Basson his first start at home to Hawick.

Basson has impressed off the bench in recent weeks, while winger Jamie Niven and scrum-half Brian Walls return to the starting XV.

The Greens travel to Myreside after a confidence boosting win over Hillhead/Jordanhill last week.

Kelso take on Jed-Forest at Poynder Park with Scotland Sevens cap Darren Gillespie set to play for the hosts against his former club.

The bottom two meet at Hartreemill with Biggar hosting Stewart’s Melville. The latter are without the influential back, Hayden Lingard.

This article was posted on 15-Sep-2012, 06:33 by Hugh Barrow.