Aberdeen GSFP v Stirling County

Not surprisingly after their narrow victory over Boroughmuir, Aberdeen retain the same XV, meaning no comeback for their former Glasgow back-row forward Rory McKay, though his deputy Martin Stanning had an excellent game, as did flanker Rob Currie, named man of the match.


Stirling also hope to turn out the side that ran Melrose close, and actually outscored them by four tries to three. But goalkicking lapses allowed the Bordereres to escape with the points.

Ayr v Hawick

Ayr give teenage stand-off Richie McCallum his first league start with Nick Lavelle switching back to inside centre. Johnny McClung takes over at full-back with Cameron Taylor reverting to the left wing.

Up front, Australian flanker Evan Kellow returns for the first time this year. Hawick are much stronger up front this week with the return of Matt Landels, Gavin Petrie and Blair Spalding, and their supporters will be hoping the trio's return will give them the edge in the forwards battle.

Glasgow Hawks v Biggar

The champions will be without prop Eric Milligan, Glasgow's most recent signing. Hawks were told by Glasgow coach Hugh Campbell that Milligan would be released for today, provided he was played at hooker, something Hawks declined to do. Steven Duffy is back to partner Ally Maclay at centre with Stuart Smith on the left wing.

Biggar winger Craig Parker was concussed against Watsonians and he is replaced by Alastair Browning, the only change in the XV who scored a dramatic and last-kick victory over their Edinburgh visitors

Heriot's v Currie

Currie, whose points for and against totals are currently identical, are in the happy position of recalling half-backs Donovan Raw and Richard Snedden, who both missed last weekend's defeat by Glasgow Hawks. And more good news for the Malleny Park side is the availability once again of Edinburgh lock Fergus Pringle

Heriot's have Ander Monro back at stand-off, but will be without their Fijian No8 Apolosi Satala. His place goes to Jamie Syme with Andrew Dall coming in at openside flanker.

Melrose v Stewart's-Melville

Gregor Townsend will make his first appearance in a Melrose jersey as the Borders stand-off attempts to up his match fitness.

Also included in the home XV is another Borders pro, John Dalziel, while making his debut on the right wing is Steve Renton.

Stewart's-Melville reshuffle their back-line with former Scotland team-mates of Townsend, Craig Joiner and former Melrose great Graham Shiel, linking up at centre, allowing Nicky Wood to take over at stand-off.

Watsonians v Boroughmuir

As Brian Rennie's facial injury is not as bad as first thought, the South African centre is expected to again line up alongside Bernard Hennessey, with James Easton likely to be handed the No 10 jersey after recovering from injury.

Charlie Keenan has shrugged off a hamstring injury and may return on the right wing for Boroughmuir, while Andy Hadden is poised to take over at stand-off, with Steven Ruddick at inside centre. Scott Wilson comes in for injured flanker Joni Hare.

This article was posted on 4-Feb-2006, 09:10 by Hugh Barrow.