Tough test at Melrose

Oct 17 2008 by Alan Rennie, Stirling Observer Friday

COUNTY selection convener Johnny Wright was still raging this week over County’s 53-3 hammering on Saturday from West of Scotland.

“That performance was totally unacceptable,” he said. “This squad has always had guts and heart but these two elements were missing when we ran out the tunnel last Saturday. This will be rectified this week.”

County were not picking their squad for the game at Melrose (3pm kick-off) until last night (Thursday) because coach Ian Jardine had taken a few days’ holiday in the north of Scotland.

Meanwhile, vice-president Ray Mountford’s lobbying of the Edinburgh professional side’s management, because of their recent attitude to the release of players, seems to have paid off.

Early indications are that both prop Ryan Grant and wing or back row player Roland Reid could be available for Stirling this week. Understandably, County’s coaches have become cynical about such promises and won’t believe them until the players actually turn up tomorrow.

Definitely back after his exams commitment down south is prop Mark Hunter. However, there are injury worries over Aca Ratuva (neck) and Grant Gilchrist (wrist).

“Melrose seem to be in a ‘win one lose one’ run at the moment,” said John Wright. “They will be efficient and well organised and we need to get our basics spot on before we can even think about winning down there.

“We can do it, however, as I do not believe we are as bad as what was produced last week.”

The famous Greenyards will be an intimidating venue for County’s young guns but tomorrow’s game looks like a “must win” for Stirling.

Fellow league stragglers Hawick and Hawks play one another tomorrow and a defeat would cast County well adrift at the foot of the table.

Fans who can’t travel to Melrose should note that the 3rd XV have a re-arranged fixture at home (3pm) against Morgan FP.