’Muir reward Officer with promotion

Boroughmuir have promoted David Officer to take charge of the backs alongside head coach Fergus Pringle for next season.

Officer, a former Scotland tour centre who played with Edinburgh, Harlequins and Worcester, will be on a high when moving into the post vacated by Phil Smith. He has just coached Boroughmuir to the Scottish 2nd XV league title.

His appointment comes on a day when the Capital outfit are preparing to sign off by denting Melrose’s title aspirations.

The teams meet at Meggetland tonight, with Melrose requiring a win to retain the trophy – and even that might not be sufficient. Presently ’Rose are one point ahead of Dundee High who entertain Stirling County tomorrow.

If Dundee gain one more point than Melrose achieved the previous night then the two teams will be level on league points so score difference will determine the champions Melrose hold a significant edge in that department as they are +127 and Dundee HSFP +85.

According to Cammy Orr, who captained Boroughmuir 2nds to their title, the seniors will be out to show their true capabilities by climbing off the bottom of the Group A table leapfrogging Aberdeen. “It would be great if the firsts could carry on where we left off with a win and I think there will be a determination to stop the opposition celebrating on our pitch at Meggetland.”

Boroughmuir retain the backs who faced Ayr in a Scottish Cup semi, but injuries to Andrew Rose, Sean Crombie and Iain Moody mean Greg Jones gets a first start at hooker this season with Jamie Swanson at No. 8 alongside flanker Alex Henderson.

Melrose have Glasgow pro Scott Wight starting on the bench.