Watsonians seeking inspiration from fired-up Simon Webster

The Edinburgh winger has endured a torrid time out of the game over the past couple of seasons with a debilitating Achilles problem the latest injury to ruin his prospects of returning to the dizzy heights that earned him 37 caps and games against New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Samoa, the Pacific Islands and all of the Six Nations, among others.

Webster arrived in Scotland from the English schools system but he has long been a fan of Scottish club rugby and last season turned out for Dundee under the draft system. Clearly, he would dearly love to be pulling on the Edinburgh jersey in Viadana this evening as the Capital side bid to claim a first win over Aironi but, having spent months in training, 'Webbo' is delighted to be given a chance simply to play again by his new draft club Watsonians

"At this stage I need to get some game time and this weekend's match for Watsonians is the perfect opportunity," he said. "I'm desperate to get some game time. When you've been injured for a long time, fighting for fitness can be really tough but, once you get there, you have the challenge of getting in the team and playing your best rugby. Selection for Edinburgh is obviously Rob Moffat's (head coach] decision, but I'm just now that happy I'm fit and available."

Watsonians certainly need some inspiration. They sit bottom of Premier One, the only side still without a victory after six weeks of club action. Failure to claim a win over Stirling County this weekend would leave just four games in which to claim at least three wins if they are to have a chance of being in the top eight at the new split, at the end of this month.

The split was an interesting talking point in August but, now that the page has turned into October, there is an intensity and excitement around results on a day that could make the picture of who is primed for a relegation dogfight clearer.

Yet, even Ayr and Boroughmuir at the top of the pile, currently on 25 and 24 points respectively, cannot consider themselves safe before kick-off. Boroughmuir host the leaders at Meggetland this afternoon striving to ensure last week's loss at Currie was a blip and not the start of a slide, while Glasgow Hawks return to Anniesland to face a Dundee rampant in victory over Heriot's last week with coach Peter Wright determined his side bounce back quickly from their first defeat of the season, down at the Greenyards.

Melrose look to be on the up, while today's opponents Selkirk are down with Watsonians desperate for what would be their second win to improve hopes of a top-eight spot.Many teams have come unstuck at Philiphaugh when expected to prevail, including Melrose, and a big crowd is anticipated for this Border derby.

Heriot's were looking good until being royally tumbled at Mayfield and another away trip, this time to Mansfield Park and their old Hawick friends, calls for strong hearts and minds if they are to swiftly recover confidence and avoid a drop into the bottom four tonight.

The final match is at Burnbrae where West of Scotland bid for a third home win in four games, knowing that victory over visitors Currie would keep them in that hunt for eighth spot. After struggling for early wins Currie have not lost in the last three weeks and a return to the place where they lifted the championship trophy last season might provide extra motivation to drive back into the league's top four. Nothing can be won today, but the split has brought a new excitement to the autumn that will only intensify this weekend.