Rugby: Brown gives Currie big kick with timely return

Rising Scottish rugby star Tom Brown will make a timely return to the Currie side after injury tomorrow when the reigning Premiership champions entertain current leaders, Melrose, at Malleny Park (noon).

Just 24 hours after turning out for Edinburgh in a Magners League win over Leinster, full back/wing Brown notched two tries in Currie's success against Boroughmuir.

But then this Scotland Under-20 cap fell on the point of his shoulder in training and hasn't been seen in action since.

"It was a bit of a freak injury, the way I landed causing a bit of movement in the joint.

"Thankfully I'm back now and looking forward to making up for lost time because tomorrow's fixture is a must win for Currie," says Brown.

While coach Ally Donaldson's side have been in rampant form recently, sweeping aside Ayr and Hawick, the gap remains 10 points. Brown adds: "Everybody knows how tight it is at the top, but if results go our way and we inflict Melrose's first defeat in nine games, we can be right back in the mix."

With Brown returning, there is a switch from full back to wing for his Scotland Under-20 colleague Dougie Fife, with Edinburgh second row Steven Turnbull on the bench.

Heriot's this week attempt to complete a double over Hawick, at Goldenacre (noon), while Boroughmuir head for a Dundee team who are exultant after an excellent 24-17 win at Ayr.

In group B, Watsonians welcome back flanker Andrew Porter after a head knock for their Myreside meeting with West (1pm).

'Sonians opened their post-split campaign with a morale boosting 29-14 win over Gala, and notching five tries.

President Dave Harris says: "We knew we had to rebuild this season due to injuries and retirals and the chance of re-grouping and building after the split was always something we were aware might happen. Hopefully confidence will continue to grow."

For Edinburgh Accies, a visit to Peebles has obvious appeal as a chance to avenge their only defeat. Priority for coach Simon Cross is eliminating the 22 turnovers he estimates were conceded in the previous encounter.

"Injuries and illness delay selection," says Cross, adding, "but it is good to know we have the type of reserve strength that has seen scrum half Jonny Adams excel as deputy for Mike Campbell, who is available again."

Fresh from an eight try romp against Jed-Forest in Group C, Stewart's Melville visit Hillhead/Jordanhill.