SCOTTISH HYDRO PREMIER ONE
Ayr v Melrose
After losing their unbeaten record to Premier One new boys Dundee last weekend, champions Ayr dropped to third place and will be targeting a good win to leap-frog second-placed Scottish Hydro Cup holders, Melrose at Millbrae this weekend.
Melrose coach, Craig Chalmers, said: “This is always the hardest game of the season. Ayr is an extremely hard place to go and get a result.
“They [Ayr] will be smarting after their defeat by Dundee last weekend so we are expecting a bit of a backlash. In saying that our performances are getting better and we feel we are ready for this huge challenge. We have had continuity in selection over the last couple of weeks which has certainly helped our performances.”
Ayr coach, Kenny Murray, added: “It was disappointing to lose the game against Dundee as it was there for the winning. Melrose will be a very difficult side to beat and we will have to improve both in defence and attack if we are to have a chance of winning.”
Heriot's v Dundee High Rugby
Heriot’s entertain a buoyant Dundee side fresh from their unsettling of current champions, Ayr, in their fourth straight win last weekend at home, promoting them to fourth place in the league.
The win was a big statement of intent from the Taysiders who travel to Goldenacre to face a resurgent Heriot’s. The Edinburgh side lost their opening three league games but have bounced back with three wins on the trot and, despite Dundee’s excellent win, will back themselves to the hilt at home this weekend.
Heriot’s coach, Bob McKillop, said: “The team has dug very deep over the last few games but Saturday will require a huge step up.”
Dundee director of rugby, Ian Rankin, said: “We’ve had a good run which has given the squad a real confidence boost. We have identified this game as one our toughest challenges and, with a Heriot’s squad packed with talent and ability, look forward to an intriguing contest.”
Currie v Selkirk
Selkirk make the trip to Malleny Park this weekend to take on an unbeaten Currie side that has averaged an impressive 39 points per game this season.
At the opposite end of the food chain, second-bottom Selkirk have just one win (which came last weekend over bottom-placed Stewart’s Melville) and have conceded an average of 40 points per game.
Currie coach, Ally Donaldson, said: “Selkirk will be relieved to get a win last week and playing any Border team is always a physical challenge. They still have the majority of the team that finished high last year and will be looking to climb further up the league. ”For our part we have to try and maintain our previous standard with a slightly changed team.”
Selkirk coach, Kevin Barrie added: “It was good to get the first win of the season last week and hopefully we can keep building on the positive performances we have had over the last few weeks.
“The players are upbeat and as always are looking forward to the game.”
Boroughmuir v Edinburgh Accies
Boroughmuir welcome an Accies side suffering a dip in form to Meggetland this weekend. Despite starting brilliantly with three wins from three, Accies’ home defeat to Ayr was the first of three straight defeats.
Boroughmuir also have three wins from six though, with home advantage, will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s thumping from the unbeaten Currie to make the most of what is currently a struggling Accies side.
Edinburgh Accies coach, Ian Barnes, said: “Winning set piece ball has become a major problem for us. With a view to maximizing whatever ball we do win, Edinburgh pro Ross Samson and National Academy player Alex Blair on the wing.
“You cannot play without the ball. Our prospects on Saturday depend entirely on how much ball we win.”
Watsonians v Glasgow Hawks
Two teams filled with some the country’s most exciting young prospects lock horns at Myreside on Saturday
Watsonians will be looking to build on last weekend’s successful trip across the capital to Raeburn Place and will be looking to maintain the momentum against a Glasgow Hawks side that has struggled to fit their billing so far this season, managing just two wins from six.
Hawks coach, Peter Wright, said: “Very poor home performance last week, particularly in the first 25 minutes. Players need to front up and start playing to their potential.
“They have to understand that teams won’t let them play and they must earn the right.”
West of Scotland v Stewart’s Melville
A win is desperately needed by both West of Scotland and Stewart’s Melville this weekend as they go head to head at Burnbrae.
Scottish Hydro Premier One new boys are still without a win – coming closest last weekend when they lost 30-22 at home against relegation rivals Selkirk..
West of Scotland have had a slightly better time this season with their one win coming from the Friday night spectacular over city rivals Hawks. A win for West – with one eye on the Selkirk v Currie game – would likely put space between them and relegation.
West coach, John Beattie, said: “It’s another important game, this time against the bottom of the table team who have been getting better each week.
“The players know that they need to start putting in performances that win games to get off the bottom of the table”.
Stewart’s Melville coach, Graeme Moffat, added: “A tough journey awaits but we can take some confidence from scoring four tries last week. We just need to get the discipline and lapses of concentration sorted and we should be able to give a good account of ourselves”.

This article was posted on 9-Oct-2009, 17:26 by Hugh Barrow.