Derby win could see Melrose clinch title

MELROSE captain Graeme Dodds has played in a few matches with Gala over the years and they are always exciting affairs to be part of, but today’s match takes on extra significance with his side having moved to within touching distance of regaining the top flight title.

No 8 Dodds takes his charges into the Borders derby at Netherdale knowing that a bonus point win coupled with a defeat for Dundee HSFP – in which they pick up no points – at Boroughmuir would see the title again go to the Greenyards.

This scenario is unlikely though, and all Dodds is just concentrating on is getting a victory which would put them in a great position to tie up the league in the last two matches with Aberdeen Grammar and Boroughmuir.

He said: “Melrose-Gala games are always ones to look forward to and we are determined to win this one to keep our league charge going and to make up for the loss we suffered against them at the Greenyards on Boxing Day.

“It is good for Borders rugby to have a strong Gala back up towards the top end of the league and we know we will have to be at our best to pick up four or five points in this one.”

Back in October, Melrose edged out Gala 17-16 in the corresponding fixture while, as Dodds mentioned, the men from Netherdale were victorious 15-14 on Boxing Day to lift the Waverley Cup and effectively knock their opponents out of the RBS Cup. There is no reason to believe that this one will not be just as close because although Gala have slipped out of the title race head coach George Graham will have them fired up for the game.

A big boost for both sides is that their club international players are back unscathed after last week’s loss to Ireland, meaning that Dodds, Fraser Thomson and Gary Holborn line-up for the visitors and Lee Millar is starting at stand-off for the hosts.

Another boost for the visitors is the inclusion of winger Nick McGrath. The Kiwi has had an injury-ravaged time in Scotland since arriving last summer and Dodds said: “Nick has played at a high level back home and he has been so frustrated over the last few months. It is good to see him back and hopefully he will be available for the rest of the season.”

Dundee HSFP head to Meggetland to face in-form Boroughmuir six points behind Melrose and they still have a chance to complete an amazing double, having progressed to the semi-finals of the RBS Cup. Key forwards Alan Brown, Neil Dymock, Richie Hawkins, Danny Levison and Andy Redmayne all return to action after representative duties while Boroughmuir – who have won their last four matches – move Sep Visser to full-back with Keith Buchan injured.

Elsewhere in RBS Premier A today Currie host Ayr and Stirling County travel to Rubislaw to face Aberdeen Grammar.

In RBS Premier B the big match is at Goldenacre where leaders Heriot’s face third place Glasgow Hawks.

With just the top two guaranteed top flight rugby in 2012/13 it really is an exciting end to the season coming up with these two teams, Edinburgh Accies and Hawick still in with a chance.

For the Goldenacre match Alex Spence keeps his place in the back-row for Heriot’s after playing well last week in the RBS Edinburgh Cup final against Boroughmuir.

Edinburgh Accies host Hamilton at Raeburn Place, while Hawick travel to winless Watsonians and Stewart’s Melville play their final home match of the campaign against Jed-Forest at Inverleith.