The new season kicks off tomorrow as RBS Premiership champions and Scottish Cup winners Ayr travel to Bridgehaugh to take on Stirling County. Despite doing the double last season, new head coach Peter Laverie has wiped the slate clean for the start of the league campaign.
"Past achievements won't win games," he says. "There's no doubt Stirling will provide a stern challenge in front of their home crowd. I expect a physical battle and an intense match."
He continues: "Our players enjoyed a good break and have worked very hard in pre-season training. We're lucky to have a big squad of committed players."
It is a squad largely unchanged from last season, with only a few additions. Making his Ayr debut at hooker is Fergus Scott, with James Malcolm as back-up on the bench and Callum Templeton, returning from a serious long-term injury, also amongst the replacements.
"There has been stiff competition for places so far," reveals Laverie, "and a number of first XV candidates are playing in the second XV this week."
Kerr Gossman is back in the starting line-up after missing large parts of last season with an arm injury. Calum Forrester will again captain the side.
Team:
15. Grant Anderson, 14. Cammy Taylor, 13. Robbie Fergusson, 12. Dean Kelbrick, 11. Kerr Gossman, 10. Ross Curle, 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. D'Arcy Rae, 18. Callum Templeton, 19. Sylvain Diez, 20. Richard Dalgleish.
Kick-off 3pm.
EH
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