Rugby: Accies set for acid test of top-flight aspirations

Edinburgh Accies face the first rigorous test of their chances of a swift return to Division One of the Scottish rugby Premiership this weekend when the league leaders entertain similarly unbeaten Gala at Raeburn Place.

Successive victories over Aberdeen Grammar FPs, Biggar and GHA, two with a try scoring bonus point, have opened up a narrow gap at the top of the table and new coach Simon Cross acknowledges the impending borders threat.

"I know Gala's coach, George Graham, well and they will be drilled up front including a decent lineout.

"Gala are also difficult to score against but as always the emphasis will be on what we can do.

"The heartening aspect so far has been the number of young players brought through.

"Calum Reid, a back row who has just turned 18 years old debuted in the win at GHA while Michael Liness and Jamie Sole are also making their mark.

"Calum stood in for captain Dan Teague who was unavailable at GHA and Jonny Letham, the second team captain, was an able deputy for scrum half Mike Campbell who was on police duty."