Ayr v Melrose preview

Ayr face an extremely stern test tomorrow in round nine of the BT Premiership as they welcome Melrose to Millbrae.

Each team comes into the clash on the back of two very different results; Melrose swatted aside Gala and Ayr had something of a nightmare against Heriot's.  The Millbrae men have to be at their very best this week to overcome the visitors.

"We are under no illusion of the task in hand against a Melrose side full of confidence," says Ayr head coach Calum Forrester.  "We will need to front up in what is going to be a very physical encounter."

Although the squad is full of familiar faces, it has been shuffled around somewhat.  Craig Gossman starts at full-back whilst Robbie Fergusson takes the left wing berth, with Kerr Gossman moving on to the bench.

The front row is comprised of George Hunter, Stuart Fenwick and Glasgow Warrior Jon Welsh.  Returning from injury is the towering Robert McAlpine.  He teams up with Scott Sutherland in the second row, meaning Callum Templeton moves to blindside flanker.  Andrew Dunlop is also making a comeback from injury, taking his place amongst the substitutes.


Ayr:
15. Craig Gossman, 14. Richard Dalgleish, 13. Ross Curle, 12. Dean Kelbrick (capt), 11. Robbie Fergusson; 10. Danny McCluskey, 9. David Armstrong; 1. George Hunter, 2. Stuart Fenwick, 3. Jon Welsh; 4. Robert McAlpine, 5. Scott Sutherland; 6. Callum Templeton, 7. Will Bordill, 8. Blair Macpherson.

Replacements:
16. James Malcolm, 17. Fraser Watt, 18. Andrew Dunlop, 19. Murray McConnell, 20. Kerr Gossman.

Melrose:
15. Fraser Thomson (capt), 14. Callum Anderson, 13. Tito Mua, 12. Joe Helps, 11. George Taylor; 10. Austin Lockington, 9. Murdo McAndrew; 1. Nick Beavon, 2. Richard Ferguson, 3. TBA; 4. James Head, 5. Lewis Carmichael; 6. Neil Irvine Hess, 7. Peter Eccles, 8. Graham Dodds.

Replacements:
16. Nicky Little, 17. Ross Miller, 18. Ruiri Knott, 19. Bruce Colvine, 20. Richard Mill.


Kick-off 3pm!  Follow the scores live on Twitter.