Melrose coach Craig Chalmers is taking no chances as far as his team for Saturday’s crucial league game against Gala at the Greenyards is concerned, writes Fiona Scott.
Having rested several players last week, as his team took on Kelso in the Border League, the Melrose boss has fielded an experienced combination in an effort to keep their cup challenge alive.
Glasgow EDP player Frazer Thomson will step in at 15 with Bruce Colvine on the right wing. Dual registered Blair Hutchison from Loughborough University makes a return and Richard Mill plays at 10 with Andrew Skeen on the bench. In the forwards he welcomes back Richard Ferguson, John Dalziel and Grant Runciman.
Commenting on the task ahead Chalmers said: “ This will be by far the biggest club game in Scottish rugby this season and by far our most important game for about 2 years.
“Our form has been nowhere near the required level in the last month which makes Gala clear favourites for this match, but this is exactly the right game to focus us and get us back on track.
“Hat’s off to George (Graham) and his team who have been in excellent form this season and fully deserve second place in the league. A border derby against Gala is always a tight tense affair for supporters, coaches and most certainly the players.
“It will be the team who can keep their composure and take the chances that come along that will come out on top. I’m sure it will be great atmosphere and I hope a great advert for Border & Scottish club rugby.”
Melrose team to play Gala at the Greenyards on Saturday (1.30pm): F. Thomson; B. Colvine, J. Murray, J. Helps, B. Hutchison; R. Mill, S. Mccormick; N. Little, R. Ferguson, G. Holborn, R. Ovens, R. Miller, J. Dalziel, G. Runciman, A. Nagle. Subs: W. Mitchell, C. Keen, D. Crawford, A. Skeen, S. Chalmers.