Premiership Division 1 match by match

Boroughmuir v Watsonians
The Meggetland club must do without their No8 Chris Capaldi, who is in the USA on a modelling assignment - thankfully last weekend's black eye has disappeared - and Sean Hollywood steps up from the bench to play in this Colinton derby, which is widely regarded as one of the most important in recent years. Adding more spice to the occasion this afternoon is the fact that Douglas Brown and Danny Moussa will both be appearing in Watsonians colours after starting the season on duty at Meggetland.

Melrose v Hawick
Melrose will today welcome back their speedy winger Mark Robertson, a player who has been on duty with the Borders over the past few weeks. His return allows Alex Lawrie to move to centre in place of Craig Edwards. Up front there is another change with Gavin Broomfield likely to be recalled to partner John Bradburn at lock, and Graeme Dodds is at No8. Hawick are hoping to field the same XV who lost narrowly to Aberdeen, but they do have one or two injury problems in the build-up to kick-off and have delayed naming their XV.

Dundee HSFP v Aberdeen GSFP
Allan Dymock joins brother Neil in the Dundee front-row for the derby encounter, which is the home side's the only change from last week. Of the defeat by Watsonians, coach Ian Rankin cast his mind back and could only lament some errors made by his players. He said: "We allowed Cammy Mather to run the game, which he did very well, and we did not make them work for their scores." Aberdeen are preparing to give a first start to flanker Will Yates, who was playing with Watsonians last season, while Ben Spearitt will be playing at stand-off.

Currie v Heriot's
Home coach Ally Donaldson gives a vote of confidence to the side who lost
their unbeaten record at Old Anniesland, but on the bench there is a place for teenage back-row forward Steve Burton. "It was a bad performance against Glasgow Hawks, but we are back at Malleny and have a quick chance to make amends." Heriot's go into the game minus their influential captain Roddy Deans, who has the afternoon off to attend a wedding. They do have the Fijian Apolosa Satala available, though his match fitness must be in doubt.

Ayr v Glasgow Hawks
Craig Redpath has never tasted victory over Hawks in his time as Ayr coach, but he is confident that irritating statistic will bite the dust today. "We know they will be up after their win over Currie, but we are at home, we have the same team, and we also played well to beat Melrose. That result will have boosted our guys' confidence." Hawks will probably be feeling the same and they are keeping the same back division, but John Maclay is likely to start at hooker, with Allan Kelly returning at lock and Sandy Warnock moving to No8.

This article was posted on 14-Oct-2006, 06:41 by Hugh Barrow.