Rugby: Accies hook Sole to face Aberdeen

Published on 20/01/2011 14:13

Fast-improving full back Jamie Sole will put representative rugby hopes on hold this weekend to help Edinburgh Accies move closer to a swift return to Premiership division one.

Accies take on Aberdeen Grammar FPs at Raeburn Place tomorrow with coach Simon Cross revealing: "This is a very big (Premier B) game for us so I have had to request Jamie drops out of a Scottish Universities game against Scotland under-20s. In terms of defence at the back Jamie has been a rock but he also runs some very good lines in attack."

The son of former grand slam captain David Sole and wife Jane has even more to offer according to Cross, who added: "A lot of our tries have been scored through Jamie getting up in support of wingers and taking an inside pass. He has come on leaps and bounds as a player this season."

Another singled out by Cross is utility forward Robin Snape, of whom he says: "Robin has a high work-rate and defensively he is really strong. What makes this game particularly interesting is that Aberdeen are strong in the same areas as Accies such as at centre where they have recruited from overseas since we opened by winning on their ground."

Cross has no hesitation about naming an unchanged side despite a 5-20 Scottish Cup defeat last week at Glasgow Hawks when four of their players were yellow carded in the second half.

"Tomorrow is certainly a defining day in Accies recent history (they must consolidate fourth place on the run-in to be promoted) and I was proud of our performance at Hawks," said Cross, adding: "We had a very aggressive defence in difficult conditions while elements of our attack were pleasing too. I thought the ref could have been clearer about what he wanted at the breakdown but our players have to read referees better."

Also in Premier B third place Watsonians visit leaders Stirling while Boroughmuir head for Peebles on Cup business looking to confirm their place in the knock-out stages with a side showing two changes.

Club official Peter Blackhall explained: "Squad rotation sees Callum Macintosh replaced on the bench by Greg Jones and Ross Neil starts on the wing with Jordan Webster moving to the bench."

In Premier C Stewart's Melville are at home to GHA.