Graham urges his young Gala side to build on winning start

The Borderers impressed seven days ago in the 25-23 opening-day victory at Malleny Park and former Scotland prop Graham has challenged his men to continue that form.

He knows it will be tough against the Premier Cup holders who opened up with a win over Edinburgh Accies and said: “We knew that the Currie game would be a big challenge, but the guys really dug in and managed to pull out the result.

“The performance wasn’t the best, but you have to consider that the average age in the side is just around 21 and many of them haven’t played in the top flight before.

“Last week was a bit of an eye opener for them and they know the kind of quality they will face week in, week out and there is no doubt that Ayr will be a useful outfit.” Graham knows that his charges will have a big home crowd behind them and he has also tried to stress to his younger players that being in RBS Premier One gives them a chance to get in the ‘shop window’.

The likes of full-back Lee Millar and front-rows Luke Pettie, Russell Anderson and Ewan McQullin had good games against Currie and Graham added: “I don’t think some of the younger players realise what being in the top flight does for them. If they do well regularly then people from higher up the game will be watching them, but they have to become consistent for this club first and foremost.”

Teenage stand-off Gregor Hunter has been released by Edinburgh and will start, with the experienced Andy McLean on the bench. Apart from that there are no other changes.

Ayr head coach Kenny Murray said: “It was important to get a win against Edinburgh Accies in our first game but we have had to work on various aspects of our play.

“This has been our focus all week as Gala will prove a very tough encounter at Netherdale. It’s early days in the season obviously, but following that ‘result of the week’ at Malleny Park they will be bursting to get out on that home pitch and show their support what they can do. We expect a very physical game, a big crowd and a warm welcome.”

Ayr give a first start to talented young scrum-half Murray McConnell, who is involved with Glasgow Warriors and joined from West of Scotland over the summer. Elsewhere today, early leaders Glasgow Hawks have been hit by injuries to centre Tom Preece and back-row Greg Francis ahead of a trip to Edinburgh Accies. Andy Kirkland and Paddy Robinson replace them at Raeburn Place.

Hawks head coach Peter Wright said: “This will be a difficult game as with all new teams to the league they are still fresh and raring to go. Working with [Accies head coach] Simon Cross with the under-20s I know he will have them organised and up for the game.” Hawick have Edinburgh pro Andrew Turnbull available again as they contest the Bill McLaren Shield with Boroughmuir, who are boosted by the return of prop Robin Hislop.

Melrose take on Currie at The Greenyards with the latter being boosted by the late inclusion of Edinburgh’s Chris Leck on the bench, while Stirling County entertain Heriot’s and Dundee HSFP take on Aberdeen Grammar.