Curle up for glory Cup exit
ROSS CURLE is aiming to turn gloom into glory today when Ayr go for the double over Melrose.
The seasiders pipped the Borderers in last weekend’s Premiership title showdown at the Greenyards – without their suspended ex-skipper.
But he is back for rugby’s Scottish Cup Final against the same rivals at Murrayfield, his last appearance before retiring.
Ayr chief Calum Forrester said: “It is great to have Ross back with the chance of going out with a medal.
“Last weekend showed how tight it always is between the sides and having him at outside centre is a bonus.
“Naturally, Melrose will be feeling the pain and that will make them even more dangerous than usual.”
Melrose coach Rob Chrystie said: “All the guys are excited to be taking centre stage at the national stadium. Ayr will be buoyant, however we have regrouped and we are ready for another huge challenge.
“The match will be a great advert for the Premiership.”
Ayr are without Rob McAlpine though injury, so Craig Stevenson is called in to the second row. Curle replaces Archie Russell, brother of Scotland ace Finn.
Captain Bruce Colvine starts at scrum-half for Melrose while George Taylor comes in for Austin Lockington and Nick Beavon fills the tight head role.