Marr and Boroughmuir set for Premiership basement battle at Fullarton Park

By Marr and Boroughmuir meet this afternoon in a match that will play a big part in issues going on at the bottom of the BT Premiership table.

With Hawick’s recent resurgence and three wins on the trot, heavy respective defeats last weekend left Marr in ninth place and Boroughmuir, with a game in hand, in tenth.

The two clubs meet at Fullarton Park today knowing that a win is vital to kickstart any move away from the relegation play-off and automatic relegation spots.

Marr are boosted for the contest by the release of Oli Kebble, pictured, and Sam Vunisa from Glasgow Warriors and they will start at loosehead prop and No 8 for the home side. Tighthead prop Fraser Watt and captain Angus Johnston also make a timely return.

Marr head coach Craig Redpath said: “We face a mustwin game for both sides as we try to avoid relegation. The last game was a very close encounter and we expect the same when Boroughmuir come to our ground.” When the sides met in September Muir edged it 34-32. Boroughmuir make the trip to Troon with forwards Ryan Montgomery and Jamie Ure coming into the starting XV, the latter making his first appearance of the season after injury. Hawick ,whoarenow in eighth as they continue to try to pull off the great escape, welcome Glasgow Hawks to Mansfield Park.

Ali Weir comes in at full-back for the Greens, while Hawks travel in seventh place and have Scott Peffers, originally from Hawick, in the No 15 jersey for them.

At the top of the table leaders Melrose will be keen to get back to winning ways, but face a tough one at second placed Currie Chieftains.

With top try scorer Fraser Thomson missing, Craig Jackson reverts to full-back for Melrose. Currie have released Warrior Adam Hastings at full-back.

Third plays fifth as Heriot’s host Watsonians.

Robbie Mulvena is amongst those back for the home side with Nick Fraser returning to the Sonians starting line-up.

At Bridgehaugh, Stirling County take on Ayr, Jonny Agnew in the visiting secondrow with skipper Pete Mccallum injured.