Watsonians will relish Melrose test in semi-finals

Melrose host Watsonians and Currie Chieftains welcome reigning champions Ayr to Malleny Park in the much-anticipated BT Premiership play-off semifinals this afternoon.

At The Greenyards, Melrose, who finished top of the regular season table, go into their meeting with Watsonians having beaten the Edinburgh outfit twice already this term.

However, they know that Watsonians have improved in recent months and, as a result, head coach Rob Chrystie is glad to have captain Grant Runciman back to start in the back-row. The backline is settled with full-back Fraser Thomson and winger Ross Mccann the biggest threats.

Chrystie said: “We have prepared well this week and hopefully the large crowd that is expected will be treated to entertaining rugby.”

Watsonians travel to the Borders with Nathan Borel coming in at tighthead prop and Mark Bertram earning a spot on the wing. Head coach Steve Lawrie said: “Melrose away in the play-offs is certainly no easy task. However, I believe it to be a task that the boys will relish. Only our best will do in order to reach the final.”

Second plays third as Currie face Ayr. The teams have met three times this season with Currie winning one and Ayr two.

The hosts have pro players Richie Vernon and Luke Crosbie available to start along with partnership player Ratu Tagive.

Vincewightisbackfrom Dutch duties and is in the second row, Mike Vernel moving to the back row.

Head coach Ben Cairns said: “With almost a full squad to pick from and a few pros released, there have been some real selection headaches, but we are good to go and feeling in a good place.”

Scotland cap Rory Hughes and Robbie Fergusson are released by Glasgow Warriors and Scotland Sevens respectively and start in the Ayr backline. Captain Pete Mccallum is back in the back-row.

Both matches kick-off at 3pm.