Updated: Arnold Clark Men's Premiership round 18: runners, riders and verdict

Yesterday at 10:02 AM

IT FEELS like the irresistible force is meeting the immovable object in the Arnold Clark Premiership this weekend, with the long-awaited clash between top of the table Ayr and second placed Heriot’s finally coming up against each other at Goldenacre (in a match which was initially scheduled for 23rd November but had to be pushed back to Calcutta Cup day of all days due to a frozen pitch).

The fact that these sides both confirmed their top four play-off places last week with five regular season fixtures to go respectively shows just how dominant they have been in 2024-25.

At the other end of the table, there is a big match, too, with 10th place Edinburgh Accies and Marr, in 11th, meeting at Raeburn Place. With three sides getting relegated from 12, both teams will be desperate for a win of any sort here.

Celtic Challenge: Glasgow and Edinburgh announce teams for round eight

6N: England v Scotland: Darcy Graham decision was no decision at all for Gregor Townsend

6N: England v Scotland: Gregor Townsend says clear heads will be key to extending Calcutta Cup run

For bottom side Musselburgh, who are 21 points away from safety and have just 25 points left to play for, a victory is imperative to keep any hopes of staying up alive. They welcome fifth placed Selkirk to Stoneyhill.

Hawick and Melrose, the great Border rivals, have not met in the Premiership since 2018-19 and, sitting sixth and seventh respectively with both being on 40 points, it could be a close one at Mansfield Park.

Elsewhere, third placed Currie Chieftains host ninth placed Kelso and third placed Watsonians welcome Glasgow Hawks, in eighth, to Myreside.

How It Stands –

The Lowdown –

Currie Chieftains v Kelso

Venue: Malleny Park @ 2pm

Teams –

Currie Chieftains: J McCaig; I Sim, DJ Innes, S Robeson, R Daley; A Harley, G Christie ©; C Anderson, R Stewart, J Ramsay, A Bain, C West, A Fletcher, S Cardosi, E Hasdell. Subs: R Vucago, T Jeffrey, G Carson, A Hoggarth, W Nelson, R Southern, F Sayers.

Kelso: A Barbour; D Patterson ©, A Hall, F Robson, H Tweedie; L Herdman, A Tait; G Shiells, E Knox, D Gamble, A Sweenie, C Thompson, N Barnes, M Woodcock, B McNeil. Subs: H Grant, A Asante, M Shaw, I Coates, W Tweedie, M Cranston, R Tweedie.

Key clash: Chris Anderson versus Dan Gamble

Team news –

Currie Chieftains: Gregor Scougall was injured in the warm-up last week against Musselburgh so Jacob Ramsay keeps his starting spot at tight-head in an unchanged starting team. Thomas Jeffrey, Graeme Carson and Ryan Southern are back on the bench and strengthen the squad.

Kelso: Regular co-captain Keith Melbourne is unavailable and Jack Utterson is at a training camp with Scotland under-18s. Andrew Sweenie comes in for Melbourne in the second-row and Nick Barnes starts in the back-row in place of Utterson. Isaac Coates and Max Cranston join the replacements.

What the coaches say –

"I was really pleased with our performance last week against Musselburgh. They kept possession well and made us work hard defensively. This week we welcome a Kelso side that has been in strong form, winning five of their last seven games since our postponed match in November. We always enjoy playing at Malleny and, with the kick-off moved to 2pm to accommodate the Calcutta Cup, we're hoping for a good crowd to get behind the team …"– Mark Cairns (Currie Chieftains)

"We need to try and build on last week's second half performance. We need bring intensity for 80 minutes and be more clinical when chances come our way …"– Bruce McNeil (Kelso)

Verdict: This should be an entertaining contest with Currie having secured a good win at home last Friday and Kelso having secured an important triumph at Edinburgh Accies a day later. As Currie head coach Mark Cairns referenced, Kelso have won five from seven and are one of the in-form teams in the division. Home advantage, an unchanged team and Kelso missing two key men may just help Currie over the line in a tight one here.

Home win.

Listen to TOL’s Calcutta Cup Pod here:

Edinburgh Accies v Marr

Venue: Raeburn Place @ 2pm

Teams –

Edinburgh Accies: V Hart; R Kent, R Chalmers, C Allan, M Wallace; J Loomes ©, P Ritchie; C Imrie, F McAslan, C Crookshanks, G Davis, S Whittaker, G Napier, R Purvis, T Drennan. Subs: G Shannon, R Dunbar, P Hayes, R Thompson, W Catterall, B Brannan, R Walsh.

Marr: C Inglis; L Jarvie, S Bickerstaff; A Bryden, J Jacobson; C Sturgeon, G Baird ©; A Apthorpe, B Sweet, C Miller, D Andrew, C Young, M Kirk, B Johnston, B Jardine. Subs: G Dick, A King, A Orr, J Braddock, E McAra, J Scott, A Purewal.

Key clash: Robbie Chalmers versus Scott Bickerstaff

Team news –

Edinburgh Accies: Regular co-captain Neil Armstrong misses out due to injury so Vincent Hart starts at full-back and Robbie Chalmers moves to outside centre. George Davis moves to the second-row and Glasgow Warriors senior academy member Rory Purvis comes into the back-row. George Shannon returns from injury alongside Ross Dunbar and Richard Thompson on the bench with Will Catterall and Reuban Walsh also replacements after impressing for the 2nd XV last week.

Marr: Logan Jarvie moves to the wing and Scott Bickerstaff to 13 with Glasgow senior academy player Alex Bryden coming in at 12. Stand-off Colin Sturgeon makes his 200th Marr appearance at 10 while Michael Kirk and Ben Johnston start in the back-row.

What the coaches say –

“However disappointing last week's result was what has been pleasing is to see the players take responsibility for the defeat to help them drive into this game versus Marr. We have five games to go this season and we must make every one of them count …"– Iain Berthinussen (Edinburgh Accies)

"We go into this game knowing the importance for both teams. Edinburgh Accies are a tough team to break down so we need to be accurate and patient …"– Kenny Diffenthal (Marr)

Verdict: Both sides will be hurting after home losses last week and there will have been a lot of chats this week at training about how to get back to winning ways. It is the type of game where both sides need their experienced men to step up and help them get over the line in whatever fashion possible. A reaction from the second half against Kelso could just give Accies precious points.

Home win.

Heriot's v Ayr

Venue: 2pm @ Goldenacre

Teams –

Heriot's: D King; Z Ross, T Glendinning, F Gibson, G Coull; R Jones, C Scott, S Smith; C Keen, M Liness, E McLaren, P Spence, J Campbell, J Hill, S Wallace, R Leishman ©. Subs: D Neill, O Bowden, S Cessford, M Keough, R Kirkpatrick, C Townsend, B Evans.

Ayr: C Hyde; T Lanni, J Shedden, R Orr, L Bardelli; B Beattie, F Johnston; J Drummond, J Malcolm, C Henderson, E Bloodworth, O Baird, R Sweeney, L McNamara, B Macpherson ©. Subs: A McGuire, C Rae, R Tanner, R Jackson, T Brown, B Frame, A Stirrat.

Key clash: Jason Hill versus Ryan Sweeney

Team news –

Heriot's: Chris Keen and Euan McLaren are the starting props this week while, in the backs, Seb Smith and Edinburgh Rugby pro Cammy Scott form a new half-back partnership. Freddie Gibson moves to centre. Teenage front-rowers Dylan Neill and Ollie Bowden are on the bench where Ben Evans is added too.

Ayr: Jamie Drummond, James Malcolm, Calvin Henderson, Ed Bloodworth and Lewis McNamara all come into the starting pack while Ben Frame earns a spot on the bench.

What the coaches say –

"After a bit of a scratchy performance last week the squad have trained well and we are excited for the match …"– Bob McKillop (Heriot's)

"We were all hugely frustrated when the last fixture [versus Heriot's in November] was cancelled, so everyone is looking forward to Saturday. Over the years, these games have produced some excellent rugby and I'm sure this weekend will be much the same. We are aware of Heriot's strengths and know what will be required to land on the right side of the result …"– Grant Anderson (Ayr)

Verdict: Heriot's have lost one in 17 and Ayr have lost one in 17 so expect some fireworks here. Like most rugby games, the packs will be key and Ayr have brought back five regular starters with the return of second-row Ed Bloodworth maybe the biggest boost. Heriot's are at home, but the visiting bench strength may end up being important.

Away win.

Musselburgh v Selkirk

Venue: Stoneyhill @ 2pm

Teams –

Musselburgh: P Burns; N Su'a, B Weatherhead, B Heber, M McCowan; D Owenson ©, J Rule; R Brown, J Talac, E Bonthron, J Haynes, J Arnold, A Mataitini, D Jakeman, M Crawford. Subs: Z Griffith, M Thomas, B Stott, R Smith, O Byass, T Foley, S Watt.

Selkirk: C Anderson; J Welsh, A Grant-Suttie, B Allan, B Pickles; Aaron McColm ©, H Alderson; L Pettie, J Bett, B Riddell, R Murray, J Fisher, C Tait, T Wilson, K Westlake. Subs: C Cochrane, B Malcolm, R Joyce, O McClymont, R Nixon, B Cullen.

Key clash: Jack Rule versus Hugo Alderson

Team news –

Musselburgh: The young guns get some more time in the saddle after impressing against Currie last week. Dylan Jakeman returns at openside so Matthew Crawford moves to No 8. Ben Heber gets a start at 12 in place of the unavailable Rory Watt, and Peter Burns finds himself at full-back after an injury to Paul Cunningham. Newcastle Falcons prospect and Loretto School student Oli Byass will make his debut off the bench. In Watt's absence, Danny Owenson will skipper from stand-off.

Selkirk: Brodie Allan starts at inside centre this week and Ben Pickles takes up a place in the back three. In the forwards, Bruce Riddell is at tight-head and Ruaridh Murray is in the second-row after strong recent performances for Selkirk 'A' [2nd XV]. Ben Malcolm returns from injury to take a place on the bench.

What the coaches say –

"This is a pretty exciting weekend for us as we hand the keys to some of our young guns led by elder statesman Danny Owenson. Every game matters for us as we close out the season with an eye on the future, whilst Selkirk will be focussing on edging back into the play-off spots. They might be forgiven for thinking this game is a formality – we have to be at our best if we are to change the script …"– Derek O'Riordan (Musselburgh)

"We need to head to Stoneyhill and put in a strong performance against a Musselburgh side that make you work hard to get go-forward. Although there were positives from our defeat against Heriot's we know the areas that need to be improved and the players are desperate to be better this week. Recent training sessions have been positive and the players have worked hard and are prepared to put in a massive shift to get the points …"– Gordon Henderson (Selkirk)

Verdict: Musselburgh's young players have impressed in recent weeks leading to a number of them getting another go here. The East Lothian men will keep fighting until such time as relegation becomes a reality and beyond, but if Selkirk can find their best form they should keep their play-off hopes going here.

Away win.

Watsonians v Glasgow Hawks

Venue: Myreside @ 2pm

Teams –

Watsonians: F Owsley; L Macpherson, L Berg, R Kerr, S Leweni; D Coetzer, C McAlpine; C Lamberton, M Pritchard, T Gracie, A McInnes, K Van Niekerk ©, S Cecil, J Minty, S Allison. Subs: J Holligan, M Marshall, L Ball, Z Mactaggart, Z Walls, M Scott, J Mitchell.

Glasgow Hawks: E Muirhead; H Provan, N Thompson, C Elliot, R Flett; L Brims co-©, S Steele; K Shanahan, P Cairncross co-©, I Malaulau, C Nolan, S Halafihi, R Howie, Y Shaheen, J Campbell. Subs: T McTeir, F Muir, F Anderson, B Hall, B Jackson, J Hastings, M Godsman.

Key clash: Kwagga Van Niekerk versus Sione Halafihi

Team news –

Watsonians: Tom Gracie comes into the forwards, starting at tight-head, with Josh Minty joining the back0row. Dom Coetzer starts at 10 in an otherwise settled backline. Centre Lewis Berg makes his last appearance in midfield before heading to Australia. On the bench, Luis Ball returns from international duty with Germany, while Matthew Marshall, Zander Walls and Murray Scott are also among the replacements. Kwagga Van Niekerk is captain this week.

Glasgow Hawks: Marcus Goodwin, Seb Hastings, Tobi Sofidaya and Gavin Cruickshanks are all unavailable, Max Crumlish, Andrew Syme and James Couper are injured and Campbell Waugh has been selected for the Scotland under-20s. Kyle Shanahan and Nicky Thompson move from the bench to start this week and Ryan Howie is available so takes up his place in the back-row. James Campbell, Finlay Anderson, Jonah Hastings, Bryan Hall and Murray Godsman step up to the match-day 22 from the 2nd XV after impressive recent performances, while senior academy man Brent Jackson is released to play by Glasgow Warriors and is on the bench.

What the coaches say –

"Squad depth is proving to be an important asset at this time of the season with unavailability and injuries. Glasgow Hawks will prove to be difficult opponents at Myreside this weekend. They possess a physical pack and a dangerous running backline that has proven to be very competitive during this campaign. The respective league positions would suggest that differing motivations will be at play for both sides this weekend …"  – Davey Wilson (Watsonians)

"Last week's loss was a thoroughly disappointing one after we felt we had put ourselves in a good spot with 15 minutes to go. I felt in some facets of the game it was the best we had played all season. However, we lost focus at critical times and Hawick were very clinical and took those opportunities. It's been a number of years since we have played against Watsonians in the Premiership, but we had a dose of their physicality in pre-season. They are a big side with a lot of Super6/Series and pro experience in their squad so we must front up physically. If we do that, we will put ourselves in a position to win the game and it will be about getting the top two inches right in the critical moments …"– Andy Hill (Glasgow Hawks)

Verdict: Both playing squads are stretched for various reasons right now, but if Dom Coetzer, who usually plays elsewhere in the backline, can get going at 10 for Watsonians then the hosts should be able to send stellar performer Lewis Berg off Down Under with a win under his belt.

Home win.

Listen to TOL’s Calcutta Cup Pod here:

Hawick v Melrose

Venue: Mansfield Park @ 2.30pm

Teams –

Hawick: K Ford; O Gray, A Mitchell, L Armstrong, M Reid; K Brunton, L Henry; S Muir ©, F Renwick, N Little, M Renwick, H Donaldson, S Frizzel, M Brogan, C Sutherland. Subs: A Cannon, T Huggan, D Redpath, E Hamilton, F Douglas, G Huggan, G Lowrie.

Melrose: M Gabe; K Clark, C Goldsbrough, R Brett, D Mulcahy; S Hutchinson, B Colvine; J Dobie, L Kirk, A Kirk, A Weir, A Runciman ©, E Ruthven A Ferrie, C Fairbairn. Subs: A Ceballos, W Ferrie, M Rutherford, J Wilks, D Crawford, C Spence, M Bertram.

Key clash: Connor Sutherland versus Craig Fairbairn

Team news –

Hawick: Young Owain Gray gets a start on the wing while Kyle Brunton returns at stand-off. The experienced Nicky Little returns to the starting XV at tight-head meaning skipper Shawn Muir moves to his preferred loose-head spot. Tom Huggan, Dalton Redpath and Gary Lowrie join the bench.

Melrose: Skipper Angus Runciman and Allan Ferrie return to the starting pack. Struan Hutchinson starts at 10, Morgan Gabe moves to full-back and Kieran Clark onto the wing. Zen Swarzagak is away on international duty with Poland, Ruairidh Lindsay and Hamish Weir miss out through injury and Luke Townsend is unavailable.

What the coaches say –

"Another home game this week and another Border derby having played Selkirk recently. This week is all about building on the performance against Glasgow Hawks, especially the second half where we executed exactly what we'd spoken about. Melrose will pose us different threats and we have identified those this week, but, as I say, it is all about what we do. We need to play to the best of our ability and we look forward to the challenge at home in a highly anticipated match …"– Graham Hogg (Hawick)

"There were loads of positives to take from last week against Ayr despite the result which then leads us into a huge Border derby against Hawick. The boys have worked really hard during the week and are looking forward to heading across to Mansfield …"– Scott Wight (Melrose)

Verdict: Hawick got themselves a very important win last week while Melrose did well in spells against leaders Ayr. Given they have not played each other in the top flight there will be no quarter given here and it could be a tight, full-blooded affair. Having Angus Runciman and Allan Ferrie back is important for Melrose, but the battling second half showing against Hawks may help Hawick get two home wins on the spin.

Home win.

6N: England v Scotland: Darcy Graham decision was no decision at all for Gregor Townsend

The post Updated: Arnold Clark Men's Premiership round 18: runners, riders and verdict appeared first on Scottish Rugby News from The Offside Line.