Rugby: Don't panic, McKillop tells his Heriot's cross-border raiders

Published on Friday 27 November 2009 08:41

HERIOT'S coach Bob McKillop has called on his side to show more patience when they visit Coventry tonight in the British and Irish Cup.

On the face of it, Heriot's have a more straightforward task than when they lost 0-5 at home to Nottingham last week since Coventry sit five places lower, at eighth, in the English national league.

But McKillop is wary, saying: "I watched Coventry playing Bristol on television and they were extremely impressive while, in addition, we are playing away from home this time."

Coventry have called up Olly Grove, the brother of new Scotland star Alex, at centre and McKillop knows it is a tall order.

"Drafted in by Coventry are some players from premiership Worcester's academy including Olly Grove but we took a lot out of the Nottingham match and could have done better with more patience," said McKilliop.

"Because we had been finding wins hard to come by going partly due to a big injury list, every chance was treated like gold dust. Last week, we panicked as if we'd taken even one chance that could have been enough.

"But this time we intend to make the most of what is an adventure, a rare opportunity for players to go cross-border with their club-mates as opposed to in a representative fixture."

Heriot's hoped to include Edinburgh's Scott Newlands but he has been withdrawn with a Magner's Celtic League fixture looming. However, club internationalist Colin Goudie returns on the wing.

There is also a switch from hooker to flanker for Dylan Mason, who was outstanding against Nottingham on a day when Coventry were going down 13-20 to Munster A.

Club action starts tonight with Boroughmuir entertaining Selkirk at Meggetland (7pm) while tomorrow, Edinburgh Accies await Stewart's-Melville (noon) and leaders Currie head for Dundee High.