Ayr v Gala preview

After last week's six-try extravaganza against Currie, Ayr's chances of grabbing a place in next season's British and Irish Cup improved.  However, a win over Gala at Millbrae this weekend is vital if the men in pink and black want to keep their hopes of qualification alive.  Gala will come into the match with their tails high after a good win over Melrose last week. 

Reflecting on the win at Malleny, Ayr's head coach Kenny Murray said: "Despite missing some key players last week, we performed well and to score five tries before half-time was very encouraging."

Murray, though, is looking forward to a great clash with Gala.  "Like many other games in Premier A, this is a must-win game for both teams, with a cup final feeling to it."

There are two changes to the starting line-up, with prop Denford Mutamangira coming in for Gordon Reid, who returns to pro duty with Glasgow Warriors.  Richard Dalgleish replaces Cammy Taylor on the wing. 

A special mention goes to Ayr's Under-20s internationalists Murray McConnell, who takes his place on the bench, and Robbie Fergusson who starts again at fly-half.  Fergusson played two games in twenty-four hours last week, having turned out for Scotland in their dramatic win against Italy Under-20s, and then, just a few hours later, hopped on a flight to Edinburgh to take on Currie. 

Team (subject to change on match day):
Denford Mutamangira, Stewart Fenwick, Gordon Sykes; Scott Sutherland, Colin White; Jonno Willis, Rob Colhoun, Andy Dunlop; AJ Macfarlane, Robbie Fergusson; Andy Wilson, Steven Manning, Ross Curle, Richard Dalgleish, Grant Anderson.
Subs: Graham Fisken, Andy Macfarlane, Pa Thompson, Murray McConnell, Sylvain Diez.

Good luck!

Ayr v Gala, kick-off 3pm, Millbrae.

A quick reminder that it is a charity fun day on Saturday, with all funds raised going to the Vanessa Riddle Appeal.  The lucky ladies will be lunching before kick-off, but the fun continues post-match.  See the social pages for details.  Remember to bring some (not so) spare change for the rattling buckets!

EH