Rugby Premiership: Unbeaten records go on the line as Gala host Ayr

Most coaches believe that their team has yet to really perform, but in the new ten-team league one or two defeats could be enough to derail title hopes. Gala have claimed two good wins over Heriot’s and Edinburgh Accies, but the pressure will step up a couple of  notches when similarly unbeaten Ayr arrive in the Borders this  afternoon.

Gala coach George Graham said: “Ayr will be coming to Gala full of confidence after two bonus point wins and I’m sure they will be wanting to seek some revenge for the lost to us in the cup final last May. How- ever, even with the numerous new recruits that Ayr have brought in I still feel that if we can play to anywhere near our potential then it should be a very good encounter.

“I have decided to stick with the same team as last week  because, although we didn’t play to the best of our ability, I feel the more we play together the quicker we will recapture the form of last season.”

His counterpart at Ayr, Kenny Murray, was happier with his side’s 28-10 defeat of title contenders Dundee, but expects a different challenge in Galashiels.

“Last week’s performance against Dundee was very encouraging and we were pleased with the pace and intensity that we created throughout the game,” he said.

“Although we are still missing Ross Curle, Finn Russell and Dean Kelbrick from our midfield, I felt we showed some excellent movement off-the-ball and defended particularly well. Our set-piece improved from our first league game against Boroughmuir but we recognise that Gala will pose different challenges. In particular, we will have to be alert at the lineout, where Gala like to attack through the middle and have already caused teams problems this season.

“Both Gala and ourselves have started pretty well and this should be a very physical and open game.”

Four miles to the east, Melrose bid to take advantage of a slip by Gala or Ayr by beating Heriot’s at the Greenyards.

But, despite wins away to Stirling County and against Currie at home, coach Craig Chalmers believes his side will be vulnerable if they do not step up their performance.

“We are delighted to have nine points in the bag and be well-placed in the league,” he acknowledged, “but the players realise we have not performed anywhere close to what we are capable of.

“Heriot’s have a pretty physical pack of forwards and a lively set of backs who are always a threat in the wide channels.

“We will also have to keep our discipline. Graham Wilson [Heriot’s skipper and goalkicker] will punish us from anywhere inside our own half with the boot.

“I think it should be a high-scoring game, as most of our games against Heriot’s are.”

He does have Fraser Thomson available again and the Glasgow full-back quickly reminded Greenyards supporters of his talents with an early contender for try of the season, as featured on this week’s Scotsman Rugby Show.

Phil Smith, who left Boroughmuir in the summer to take over from Graham Marshall at  Heriot’s, has not had his frustrations to seek with back-to-back losses at Gala and at home to Stirling County making for a  difficult start.