Friday 14 September 2012

Ayr v Stirling preview

After three wins in a row and topping the RBS Premiership table, Ayr host Stirling County at Millbrae to see if they can make it a fourth victory of the season.  It was a tight match at Netherdale against Gala last Saturday, and the team will be hoping to show an equally gritty performance and give the Millbrae faithful something to cheer about.

There is one change to the starting line-up, with prop D'arcy Rae, who represented Scotland at under-18s level last year, replacing George Hunter, who links up with Glasgow Warriors this week.  Zimbabwean international prop and fan favourite Denford Mutamangira returns to the bench.

17-year-old centre Gavin Lowe makes his senior debut on the bench, after having trained with the first XV for several months.  Gavin has played for Scotland under-18s and is one of the most exciting prospects in Scottish rugby.

Despite Ayr's great start to the new rugby year, head coach Kenny Murray isn't getting ahead of himself.

"We are obviously eager to maintain our winning record and stay ahead of the chasing pack.  As it's still early in the season, we realise that one loss could see us fall into a mid-table position."

Murray expects a tough match against Stirling: "They have a very effective back line that has been helped by Glasgow pros in the past few weeks.  It will be crucial that we dominate the forward battle and limit the ball that these guys will crave."

Team (subject to change on match day):

Anderson, C Gossman, Fergusson, Dalgleish, K Gossman; Diez, Jericevich; Cox, Wisnewski, Rae; Sutherland, White; Fisken, Dunlop, Forrester (capt).

Replacements: Mutamangira, Fenwick, McCallum, Doneghan, Lowe.

EH

No comments:

Post a Comment