Rugby: Gilding takes another step on the road to recovery

EDINBURGH RUGBY prop Jack Gilding will take a further step back to fitness tonight in a Boroughmuir side aiming to turn back the clock against Glamorgan County in a pre-international friendly (kick off 7.15).

A feature of tonight's encounter will be the opportunity given to young up-and-comings Mark Hare and Scott Richards against Select opposition spearheaded by ex-British and Irish Lion Allan Bateman.

But missing for 'Muir due to illness and injury are Jamie Doubleday and Johnny Latta.

Elsewhere, Scottish premier cup ties dominate the club schedule with Stewart's/Melville in action tonight at Cartha QP. Missing from an understrength Stew/Mel side will be Hayden Lingard, Scott Riddell, Ally Borland and Alex Edmonstone.

Teenager Lawrie Seydak admits he will have a spring in his step for the rest of this rugby season after becoming the latest winner of Heriot's 1st XV player of the month award.

Capped by Scotland under-18s while at Edinburgh Academy last season, back row forward Seydak aims to celebrate by forcing his way into the Scotland under-20 line-up for this summer age-group World Cup, starting with the club's Scottish Premier Cup tie at Hillhead/Jordanhill tomorrow.

"It's good to be recognised with the award," said Seydak.

Wednesday's British and Irish Cup tie has cost Currie the services of regulars Ryan Wilson, Richard Snedden and Mike Entwhistle who are all nursing knocks. Also, Mark Cairns and James Johnstone are in Las Vegas with the Scottish sevens team and both Alun Walker and Tom Brown are required by Edinburgh for their Magners League match at Newport Gwent Dragons.