Cammie Murray back as Melrose seek revenge over Ayr

FORMER Scotland winger Cammie Murray has returned to the Melrose back line as the Borderers bid to claim their first league championship since 1997 this weekend by taking revenge against Ayr.

The 36-year-old PE teacher starts at inside centre alongside namesake Jamie, replacing youngster Joe Helps from the side that lost to Ayr in Saturday's Scottish Cup final at Murrayfield. Kiwi lock Hayden Mitchell also comes into the Melrose starting line-up, replacing Ross Miller in the second row.

Ayr are hoping to stick with the same side that secured its second successive cup triumph, but assistant coach Peter Laverie said that they would wait until after last night's training and today's recovery to finally confirm the team.

He said: "It has been a real bonus having everyone fit after last week's epic match at Murrayfield. Dougie Steele is unavailable because of work commitments, but we're pretty much settled on the starting line-up and just have some decisions to make about the bench."

While victory or a draw will hand the championship to Melrose, Ayr need to win this game and then beat Currie - who are away to Glasgow Hawks tomorrow - if they are to secure a first Division One and Scottish Cup double.

Melrose coach Craig Chalmers said: "The players and all associated with the team were disappointed with last weekend's outcome, but we have all brushed ourselves down, regrouped and everyone involved this weekend knows what is required to get a positive result at the Greenyards.

"It's basically another cup final for both teams which should be another excellent advert for Scottish club rugby."

Ayr have certainly increased the pressure on Melrose with the cup success, and Laverie turned up the heat further by adding: "Melrose, having home advantage, must start as favourites, but this is their only chance now and the pressure is on.

"Presumably, they will want to exact revenge for last Saturday's defeat, but our focus will be solely on winning this game as we too are playing for the league title. We've purposely insisted on a light schedule and training on Tuesday involved a 20/20 cricket match. However, it's back to full-on preparation and we'll be ready for Saturday."

Melrose (v Ayr at the Greenyards, tomorrow, 3pm): F Thomson; C Anderson, J Murray, C Murray, A Dodds; S Wight, R Chrystie; N Beavon, W Mitchell, G Holborn, G Elder, H Mitchell, J Dalziel, G Runciman, G Dodds. Subs: G Innes, N Little, R Miller, B Colvine, J Helps, D McCall.

Ayr: (tbc) G Anderson; S Manning, M Bennett, M Stewart, C Taylor; R Curle, AJ McFarlane; G Reid, S Fenwick, A Kelly, S Sutherland, D Kelly (capt), R Colhoun, P Burke, A Dunlop. Subs: G Sykes, S Adair, P McArthur, S Nimmo, D Stewart, G Tippett, R McCallum, A Wilson.