Something has to give as unbeaten rivals clash

Ayr have been boosted by the return of their skipper Pete Mccallum after an injury lay-off as they prepare to travel to Edinburgh to face fellow unbeaten Premiership side Heriot’s at Goldenacre. Both clubs have won three from three to sit second and third in the table behind Melrose on points difference.

Mccallum is back to lead Ayr from the back row, while Glasgow and Scotland man Rory Hughes is released to start on the wing. Heriot’s are without back-row men Jason Hill and Ruairidh Leishman, while second row Charlie Jupp and backs Rob Kay and Jack Blain are also missing. Finlay Munro, Jack Mclean, Callum Bell, Stuart Edwards and Rory Mcmichael come in for the hosts.

Melrose start as firm favourites against an Edinburgh Accies side smarting from a big loss to Heriot’s seven days ago. In the front row for the Borders men, Russell Anderson and Conor Young come in for Scott Lawson and Ruairi Mcleod. Gavin Wood is in on the wing.

The visitors travel with captain Jamie Sole restored in the back-row and young George Spencer back in at centre.

After last week’s late win at Glasgow Hawks, Boroughmuir are set for an Edinburgh derby with Watsonians. Former Heriot’s full-back Gavin Parker comes into the home side at full-back, with Edinburgh Rugby’s Darryl Marfo at loosehead prop.

Marfo’s pro team-mate Darcy Graham returns from injury to start on the wing for Watsonians, while they have assistant coach Richard Snedden out of retirement to cover scrum-half from the bench.

Fifth-place Currie make the trip to Bridgehaugh to take on Stirling County. Back-row Marc Kelly and scrum-half Roan Frostwick start for Currie with captain Jonny Hope back in the County starting XV at full-back. Hawick have Lee Armstrong back in the 15 jersey as they face Glasgow Hawks at Mansfield Park. Cammy Symes starts for the visitors.