It's been nearly five months since Ayr's first XV last trotted out on to the Millbrae pitch, and three since they lifted the Scottish Cup at Murrayfield to end a historic season for the club. Tomorrow, they're back home to face Melrose, the team they narrowly beat on that memorable day in April.
Despite a bonus-point win last weekend over Stirling County to kick off the season, Ayr won't be resting on their laurels. Head coach Peter Laverie knows what they're up against when they take on Melrose.
"Ayr-Melrose games are never boring and always played fiercely and competitively, so we know we will have to give it our all to gain victory," he explains. "John Dalziel is an excellent coach and he will have his players ready to provide a physical challenge and an intense contest."
The men in pink and black are ready too.
"We identified key areas to work on and the players have put in a good shift this week to prepare," Laverie continues. "This remains an ambitious and determined Ayr squad and they will definitely want to put on a show for the first home game of the season."
There is only one change to the line-up, with stand-off Sylvain Diez replacing Ross Curle, who moves to outside centre. The bench features Scotland under-20s prop James Malcolm alongside Ayr regulars Stuart Fenwick, Murray McConnell and Richard Dalgleish.
The second XV and under-18s are also playing on Saturday, which is Ladies' Day, so a big crowd is expected for the first home tie of the season.
Team:
15. Grant Anderson, 14. Cammy Taylor, 13. Ross Curle, 12. Robbie Fergusson, 11. Kerr Gossman; 10. Sylvain Diez, 9. Peter Jericevich; 1. Denford Mutamangira, 2. Fergus Scott, 3. Nick Cox; 4. Scott Sutherland, 5. Colin White; 6. Graham Fisken, 7. Andrew Dunlop, 8. Calum Forrester (capt).
Replacements:
16. James Malcolm, 17. Stuart Fenwick, 18. Callum Templeton, 19. Murray McConnell, 20. Richard Dalgleish.
EH
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