High boost as Mciver returns for Ayr clash

IT IS ONLY the second week of the RBS Premiership but tomorrow’s collision of Ayr and Dundee HSFP at Millbrae might go a long way to determining the destiny of the title.

Smarting at missing out on British and Irish Cup participation, Ayr have redoubled their efforts this season to re-join the title challengers with a flux of signings from relegated Glasgow Hawks, and a seven-try rout of Boroughmuir last week on opening day was the result.

Melrose continue to set the standard and Dundee were hardly less impressive than either of their rivals in beating Aberdeen Grammar at Mayfield. They are augmented further this week with the return to the squad of the rampaging Richie McIver.

The former Harris player was going to miss this season to go travelling, but being voted last year’s Premier One player of the year by his peers was enough to make him change his plans.

“I don’t think Richie understands himself yet the potential he has,” said coach Ian Rankin, who has brought him back to the bench while keeping his starting XV unchanged.

“With Danny Levison making his return from injury in the seconds this week we’ve got some tremendous competition for places.

“You take a look at the guys we put out last week and those coming back, I think this has to be the biggest pack of forwards that I’ve worked with here and it’s going to be a massive clash with the Ayr pack this week.”

Rankin was also delighted last week with Jack Steele’s performance in attack and defence in the unfamiliar position of stand-off.

“A try and 19 points in total from a first start at 10, as well as the way he defended with Aberdeen attacking his area so often, is something he can be pleased with,” added Rankin.

Ayr could be without three of last week’s starting backs, and definitely will miss lynchpin Ross Curle who was given a straight red card at Meggetland for a spike tackle.

Champions Melrose host Currie in the other big match in the top division tomorrow.

The first weekend of the Championship season saw losses for four of the five Midlands clubs, with last year’s Premier champions Howe of Fife the exception with their solid 20-3 victory over Haddington.

The Howe are again at Duffus Park this week and hosting HawickYM, who handed a defeat to a depleted Kirkcaldy at Mansfield Haugh on the opening day. The Blues are trying to work around a host of early season injuries as they take on Lasswade at Beveridge Park, but it looks as if there’s going to be a transition to more of their home-developed young players this season.

Perthshire and Morgan both had tough losses to open their season and meet at the North Inch where `Shire hope to recover some of their pre-season form.

Dunfermline lost heavily to Whitecraigs in the West Championship division and have their home bow against probable title favourites GHA.