Border Telegraph | Sport | Borders clubs in overseas rugby re-jig

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Wednesday, 6th August, 2008 09:00

Borders clubs in overseas rugby re-jig

By Atholl Innes

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WITH only 10 days until a ball is kicked in earnest on the rugby field, Borders clubs are engaged in a battle to attract new players.

And it’s all change at Netherdale where the Maroons are bringing in a New Zealand prop and utility back and an Australian lock.

“We are losing some player as for various reasons and we need to strengthen our squad for what will be a tough challenge in Premiership 2,” said coach Richie Gray.

Gala have lost flying winger Stevie Craig, who scored 22 tries last season, as well as Ryan Ormiston and Paul McDonald to St Boswells.

“Craig is joining the police, and personally if players do not want to play for the club, I will not stand in their way.”

The Maroons will also be without Alan Johnston, who has retired, and Stevie Scott, who is recovering from a back operation, while Martin Chrsitie is moving to New Zealand to gain more experience.

“It is like a fresh start for us,” added Gray. “There is a huge challenge ahead of us and this will be a very tough league.

“It will be another chapter in the club’s history.”

Reports that three Hawick players are joining Melrose would appear to be premature.

Melrose’s Rugby Director Mike Dalgetty said that lock Gavin Petrie was staying at Mansfield Park while two others were not definite.

Melrose, howver, are expected to be joined by an Australian, a friend of Jordan Macey, who is staying on at The Greenyards.

“We have a lot of good young players and we plan to bring them on,” he said.

But captain Jamie Murray, who missed much of last season, has dislocated his shoulder, and could miss the kick-off.

“He is sore at the moment, but we hope that he will be ok,’ said Dalgetty.

Melrose open their pre-season with a home game against Rotherham a week on Friday.

Selkirk, as reported in the Border Telegraph, have been joined by Simon Willet, a 6ft 5in, 18st player from Edinburgh Accies and who hails from Duns.

But Melrose have lost Kieran Cooney, who has moved to a Spanish club.

The draw has been made for the Build Center Kelso Sevens on Saturday, August 16, first tie 1.30 p.m.