BT Premiership Division 1


Biggar v Glasgow Hawks

Biggar include Stuart Harrison in their squad for the first time this season, the centre having recovered from knee trouble, Fraser Campbell is likely to replace Borders' pro Geoff Cross, while there is a doubt about lock Chad Slade (neck) who has scored four tries in his three games so far. Hawks promote Richie McKnight to top team duties again, while Eric Milligan and Matt Smith return to the front row, Mark Sitch is at lock in place of the unavailable Richie Maxton, with Scott Forrest taking over at No8.


Boroughmuir v Watsonians

With Dougie Brown and Euan Mathieson having joined Boroughmuir's lengthy injury list, both with shoulder knocks, it is unlikely a starting XV will be named until today. Edinburgh may release former Meggetland players Michael Pyke and Alasdair Strokosch, while David Callam may also be made available, with all three requiring game time. Their neighbours are likely to have the services of Duncan Hodge again, though he was on the Edinburgh bench last night, while David Payne returns at lock for the injured Ian Simpson.

Currie v Heriot's

Heriot's have revamped their back division for their testing visit to Malleny Park. Marc Teague, fit again, and Richard Edby come in for Cammy Bruce and Nick De Luca, while Michael Goldie replaces Johnny Elliott at scrum-half. Up front, Alan McDonald is listed at No 6 in place of Tam McVie, who drops to the bench.

The home club hope to have Richard Snedden, Michael Ker and Kevin McShane back after injury. They missed last weekend's defeat by Glasgow Hawks.

Hawick v Ayr

Thanks to the willingness of both clubs to get the game played, after Mansfield Park was flooded earlier this week, the fixture will now go ahead at the Volunteer Park, home of Hawick Linden. Hawick are without the injured Colin Murray, but have an excellent deputy in Stephen Cranston. Ayr are strengthened by the return of Damien Kelly, who joins Scott Lines in the second row, with James Eddie moving back to No 6. Ayr have a poor away record and will they become the latest club to fall to Hawick's young guns?

Stewart's-Melville v Melrose

Graham Shiel spent many a happy season with Melrose, but today he'll be plotting his former club's downfall. Colleges stay with the same backs, but make four changes in their pack, with Sean McMurchy, Ben Leathes, Ross Rennie and Richard Vernon returning after missing last week's defeat at Ayr. Melrose also make four changes, all behind the scrum. James King returns at full-back, Barry Watson is on the left wing, and Scott Ruthven, who was stand-off last week, switches to scrum-half with Scott Wight at stand-off.

Stirling County v Aberdeen GSFP

After their spirited performance at the Greenyards last Saturday, Stirling intend to field the same XV, which means that John Barclay will again start on the bench though he is unlikely to stay there too long in the days of the rotating sub, a tactic which some clubs use far better than others.

Aberdeen were also pleased with their home victory over Boroughmuir and barring late injuries will unchanged for what is always a close encounter.

This article was posted on 15-Oct-2005, 08:53 by Hugh Barrow.