Dreams come true for Marr as they host old rivals Ayr

Marr finally get to welcome Ayr to Fullarton Park this afternoon for a muchanticipated local derby in the BT Premiership.

A few years ago, when they were in the regional leagues, the Troon club could not have believed they would be taking on their old rivals in the top flight. However, now we are into round six of the Premiership campaign and Marr certainly haven’t been the pushovers some suggested they might be.

They are seventh with two wins already and for this one they move Colin Sturgeon, in his last game before heading to Australia, to stand-off. Dougie Steele moves to full-back, while they have skipper Angusjohnstonandfellow back-row Ross Miller back.

Head coach Craig Redpath said: “The whole club are excited to be playing against the Scottish club champions. A few years ago we could only have dreamt about playing a game like this at Fullarton.”

Young talent Paddy Dewhirst starts at standoff for Ayr, while Tommy Spinks and Jonny Agnew are back from injury and link up in the second-row.

Leaders Melrose have a perfect 25 points from 25 so far, but will face a tough test at second-placed Stirling County.

Sam Pecqueur, the Scotland Sevens squad member, returns to the Melrose backline on the wing and joinsasettledside.county’s Ewan Mcgarvie gets his chance in the centre.

Heriot’s are on a good run of form and they host Boroughmuir in an Edinburgh derby at Goldenacre.

Back-row Michael Maltman is back for Heriot’s while Muir, in ninth place, have Edinburgh Rugby pro Lewis Carmichael coming into the second-row.

Glasgow Warriors’ Adam Hastings returns from injury for Currie Chieftains against Glasgow Hawks. The visitors have named a strong looking starting XV.

Hawick are still after their first win and host Watsonians. Ronan Mckean is on the wing for the Greens, former Hawick man Ross Graham on the bench for Watsonians having joined from Leeds Carnegie.