WATSONIANS have been warned to beware a new-look Melrose at Myreside tomorrow.
The advice comes from 'Sonians scrum-half Jamie Blackwood, who used a spell at Melrose as the springboard to professional outings with Edinburgh and Rotherham before re-crossing the border.
Blackwood said: "The Melrose personnel have changed a lot
in the short time since I left but their passionate attitude to rugby remains the same.
"They'll be all the stronger, too, for just having introduced three recruits from abroad alongside the local talent.
"Even when struggling for success Melrose were always a tough team to break down and that never changes.
"It's fortunate that Watsonians are developing extra strength in depth while since returning I've been impressed by the quality of the youngsters coming through among them (No.8) Stuart McInally.
"The first time I played alongside Rambo (McInally) I couldn't believe he was an 18-year-old fresh out of school because of his willingness to lead rather than wait for others to take charge."
Melrose have won three in a row and can take heart from the return from injury of player/coach John Dalziel alongside the trio of newcomers.
They are Australian sevens cap James Lew as well as Stan Williams and Kensit Palepoi.
It is, though, Blackwood's opposite number, Scott McCormick, whom 'Sonians coach Bruce Aitchison appears particularly keen to contain.
"Thankfully Jamie has been playing exceptional well in addition to proving a real leader because much could hinge on his head-to-head with Scott McCormack, who had a run out for Edinburgh's back up team earlier this season," said Aitchison.
The coach also revealed the contribution of New Zealand second row Andrew Tweed has been particularly timely after playing all eight games since his arrival.
Aitchison said: "Andrew Tweed is an honest grafter who would play ever day of the week if required and he has filled the gap left by Willie Lipp's departure down south."
Quietly, and without ceremony, Scotland under-20 cap Lipp took his leave to join Wasps who have farmed him out to London Scottish.
"When Willie became the latest player we have produced for the pro ranks following on from Brian Rennie who has moved to France, and Andrew Skene to Italy, there could have been a problem for us.
"But the way Andrew has stepped in has eased any difficulties up front."
While second-placed Watsonians need a victory to keep in touch, it is not impossible that Melrose can rise from their current sixth position and close a 16-point gap on leaders Ayr according to coach John Dalziel, who said: "Melrose are definitely still capable of winning this league.
"We have to prove that now by backing up again in the games against Watsonians and Heriot's ahead of the match with Ayr.
"We won well at Watsonians last year, and we are starting to get a bit of confidence in the team now. We have a strong squad now and there is competition for places.
"There is a long way to go. We won the cup last year and we had a good run to the end of the season. People have short memories.
"But we cannot get ahead of ourselves and we have to keep winning to give ourselves a chance. The league is really open and we are desperate for more, and we want now to kick on and pick up the bonus points."
Elsewhere, Currie head for Ayr while Edinburgh Accies visit West of Scotland and champions Boroughmuir visit Selkirk.
• EDINBURGH Academy entertain Merchiston Castle School at Raeburn Place tomorrow (2.00pm) in the 150th anniversary of the oldest continuous rugby fixture between teams of any status, school or club.
The full article contains 628 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
