Heriot's star sure he can scalp Glasgow Hawks for first time

The 20-year-old centre failed to get a victory over Hawks in three encounters during his Watsonian days but, this time round, he goes into action full of confidence after claiming his fifth try in six outings when Heriot's edged out Hawick last week.

"So far as Hawks are concerned I know they have a big pack behind which the Gossman brothers (Keir and Craig) are very effective but this really is an important match in terms of defining Heriot's season.

"We have won five out of seven but haven't really clicked yet and the need is to start picking up some (try) bonus points.

"Had we done that we'd have been higher up the table (than fifth)."

Despite that Heriot's still have the capability to make up the four points separating them from second-placed Hawks and it has certainly been no fault of former Scotland age-group cap Learmonth that no extra increments have been accruing.

After a daunting debut against his old club, Watsonians, Learmonth then reeled off touchdowns in successive matches against Stirling, Currie and Ayr.

He drew a blank against Melrose but has been on target for the past fortnight at the expense of Dundee and Hawick when revelling in a new role.

"I wouldn't have chosen to start my Heriot's career against Watsonians but seemed to do all right helped by a move from wing to centre.

"When I was attached to the Scotland under-20 set-up last year before, tearing a patella tendon which put me out from December to late February, I was encouraged to play on the wing. Heriot's coach Bob McKillop, who had charge of my Scotland under-19 side, wanted me to play centre and that has led to me seeing more of the ball.

"Also, having outstanding players around such as Cammy Ferguson, Gregor Hunter and Peter Saunders has meant extra chances."

If things continue as they are then the one-time under-17, 18 and 19 internationalist can realistically entertain hopes of a Scotland clubs international call and could even interest the professional coaches.

Meanwhile, Boroughmuir head for Melrose bidding to avoid an unwanted hat-trick of defeats fortified by the return after injury of second row Greig Scott. Age group cap Andrew Rose also gets a start, at blindside flanker, while Ross Samson is released by Edinburgh and is sure to figure at scrum half at some stage.

Boroughmuir official Peter Blackhall said: "This will be another hard game after last week but the squad are up for it, the games against Melrose are always good open games. The top eight is quite tight so it is important to come away with points."

Melrose stick with the side which defeated Selkirk last week and coach Craig Chalmers said: "This is yet another must-win game for us against a team who have been going pretty well all season. For a team with so many changes in personnel, Boroughmuir have gelled very quickly."

Currie entertain Watsonians with Ally Hamilton, John Cox and Richard Snedden restored to the starting line-up.

Coach Ally Donaldson said: "Gary Temple remains at second row after very ably filling in for Andy Adam who returns on the bench.

"Both Fergus Scott and Andy MacMahon are able to be included after recovering from injuries which saw them leave the field early in last week's 38-38 draw at West.

"We are still seeking consistency although we did bounce back to 'win' the second half 33-10 and scored five tries during that period.

"Watsonians will be boosted by getting their first win and will be looking to build on that."

In Division Two, Stewart's Melville and Edinburgh Accies are both at home to Borders opposition, respectively Kelso and Jed-Forest while Division Three Musselburgh await Perthshire.