Glasgow Hawks v Ayr preview

Ayr have their first away match in the BT Premiership tomorrow, as they take on Glasgow Hawks at Balgray, the Kelvinside Academy playing fields. 

It was a bruising encounter against Gala last week and there will be no let-up as the men in pink and black face their west coast rivals who will be feeling confident after an away win over Heriot's in their first game of the new season.  Ayr head coach Calum Forrester is looking forward to it.

"It's great to have a derby match so early in the season, especially with both teams winning their opening league matches."

Although it was encouraging to come through such a tough fixture against the Maroons last week, Forrester knows Ayr will have to work just as hard to overcome Hawks on their home patch. 

"It was disappointing to concede as many points as we did last weekend and we cannot afford to do the same against this Hawks side."

There are a few changes to this week's squad, as Ross Curle and Craig Gossman were both injured last Saturday and Glasgow Warriors have released some players for the day.

The experienced Cammy Taylor comes in at wing to replace Gossman, who dislocated his elbow against Gala, and Danny McCluskey moves to outside centre to cover for Curle.  Gavin Lowe takes McCluskey's fly-half berth against Hawks, whom he spent most of last season playing for.

Warrior Will Bordill takes his place on the openside flank, with Andrew Dunlop moving to the bench.  Bordill's Glasgow teammates George Hunter and Murray McConnell are included amongst the replacements.

Ayr:

15. Grant Anderson, 14. Cammy Taylor, 13. Danny McCluskey, 12. Dean Kelbrick (capt), 11. Kerr Gossman; 10. Gavin Lowe, 9. David Armstrong; 1. Nick Cox, 2. Fergus Scott, 3. Fraser Watt; 4. Robert McAlpine, 5. Scott Sutherland; 6. Callum Templeton, 7. Will Bordill, 8. Blair Macpherson.

Replacements:
16. James Malcolm, 17. George Hunter, 18. Andrew Dunlop, 19. Graham Fisken, 20. Murray McConnell.

Glasgow Hawks:

15. Robbie Houliston, 14. Haddon McPherson, 13. Tom Steven, 12. Davie Milne, 11. Erland Oag; 10. George Horne, 9. Paddy Boyer; 1. Gary Strain, 2. Jack McFarlane, 3. Brendan Cullinane; 4. Andy Linton, 5. Sam Thomson; 6. Andy Kirkland, 7. Finn Gillies, 8. Kenny Beattie.

Replacements:
16. Grant Stewart, 17. Steven Findlay, 18. Tommy Spinks, 19. Craig Brodie, 20. Neil Heron.

Kick-off 3pm. 

Please note that although the 1st XV match is at Balgray, the 2nd XV encounter is still at Old Anniesland.