EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS REPORTS

BOROUGHMUIR are poised to unveil a new signing from rugby league when preparations for the domestic season step up with the Morisons Solicitors Challenge Cup at Goldenacre tomorrow.

Manager Grant Wilson has defended a decision to split resources between the Capital and a friendly match at Tynedale and uses the acquisition of Dan Susnik as an example of growing strength in depth.

Wilson said: "We are confident of being able to fulfil both fixtures satisfactorily.

"Preparations have been going well and this is a welcome chance to give a run-out to as many players as possible who might figure in our league side in the weeks ahead.

"In particular, competition will be tough at centre where new signing Dan Susnik will be expected to use experience gained with the St Helens rugby league academy to compete alongside the likes of Matt Cannon (ex-London Welsh), Malcolm Clapperton (who has represented the Edinburgh pro-side) and Elgan O'Donnell.

"Dan's arrival came unannounced when a job opportunity brought him to Edinburgh and in training he has impressed with explosive pace and strong tackling which can make him ideal for the inside centre role."

Another whom Wilson is touting for big things is former Merchiston Castle flanker, Chris Hill.

"Chris suffered injuries for most of last season but as someone who is in the same mould as (last year's top try scorer) Angus Martyn we are delighted to be so well covered."

With Watsonians pulling out to entertain Darlington at Myreside the gap has been filled by Ardrossan Acads in a section that includes Boroughmuir, Edinburgh Accies and the hosts who are optimistic of emerging to eventually dispute the trophy with the leading lights among Dundee High FPs, Aberdeen Grammar FPs, Glasgow Hawks and Falkirk.

Heriot's coach Bob McKillop said: "Our three pre-season matches against Musselburgh, Stewart's/Melville and a Tynedale side reinforced by Newcastle Falcons' apprentices have produced steady improvements. Tomorrow we are hopeful of having SRU apprentices Jim Thomson (full back) and Bruce McNeil (prop) released to join a squad that includes three of last year's Scotland under-18s in Finlay Gillies (hooker), Chris Susaro (open-side flanker) and Struan Dewar (back row).

"Additionally we can field three new backs in Colin Goudie (ex-Stewart's/Melville), Murray Strang (ex-Hawks) and Andy Douglas (ex-Haddington).

"What particularly excites me, though, is the prospect of the young back-row players benefiting from specialised coaching from Roddy Deans, our recent captain, who is a long-term absentee with shoulder damage but knows a thing or two about forward play."

If McKillop puts a particular emphasis on an early tie with Edinburgh Accies it will surely be understandable given the teams are due to meet on the opening day of the Premiership. Equally aware of the significance of the fixture is Ian Barnes, the Accies coach who sees the tournament, in which matches will be played over 25 minutes duration, as ideal preparation for returning to the top flight.

"We are certainly not going to Goldenacre with any inferiority complex," insisted Barnes in putting heavy emphasis on developing Scottish talent. He added: "The aim is to continue the way we left off last season in reaching the Scottish Cup Final."

To that end Accies are hoping to call on stand-off David Blair who is now attached to Edinburgh after a spell at Sale Sharks while giving honourable mentions to a string of young recruits. Barnes continued: "Second row Robert Lovatt has stepped up from Trinity Acads and he is a real prospect who will benefit from the higher grade.

"Rhuari Bonnar is another who can continue to show potential at half back while our prop, Lewis Niven, has spent the summer in New Zealand adding experience to his Scottish age-group honours.

"Lewis has returned with an even harder edge and will play in a side likely to feature Iain Berthinussen the former Borders and Scotland under-21 three-quarter who has joined as Accies development officer."

Meanwhile, replacing Watsonians, Ardrossan will draw on experience gained from recent outings against higher level opposition in Glasgow Hawks and Currie.

The Morison Challenge Cup gets underway at 11am with the final scheduled for 3.30pm.

This article was posted on 17-Aug-2007, 11:37 by Hugh Barrow.