Melrose on a mission to secure first leg of double

The only place to be in Scottish rugby this afternoon is The Greenyards where Melrose entertain Ayr in the BT Premiership Grand Final, a repeat of last season’s final which Ayr won.

The home side has set a high standard throughout the season. After going to Millbrae and beating Ayr 44-31 to take the SRU Charity Shield in the pre-season opener, they put together a 13-match unbeaten run, which included a 34-17 win over today’s opponents, again at Millbrae.

But Ayr then travelled to the Borders and won 20-12 to inflict the first of only three defeats the ‘Rose have suffered this season.

Full-back Fraser Thomson has topped the tryscoring chart with 14 and, if Ayr’s Scott Lyle won the Golden Boot by kicking 148 points, Melrose’s principal kicker Craig Jackson was a mere eight points behind.

Ayr, having won on their last two visits to the Greenyards, fancy making it three-in-a-row to deny cup finalists Melrose a potential double.

This afternoon’s match is the final one in pink and black for the retiring Scott Sutherland, George Hunter, who has a new job in London, and coach Calum Forrester, who gives way to Peter Murchie next season.

Both sides are shorn of regulars. Melrose are without the injured Sam Pecqueur, while Nyle Godsmark and Ally Miller are in Hong Kong with Scotland Sevens. Ayr are without injured skipper Pete Mccallum and playmaker Frazier Climo.

Rory Hughes is released by Glasgow to appear on the wing for Ayr, while Ross Ford will be on the bench for Melrose.