GALA will be out to turn the heartbreak of last season's finale into joy tomorrow (Saturday 30 August) as they go head-to-head with the same opponents they met back in March.

The Maroons ended their 2013-14 campaign, in defeat against Ayr at Netherdale, 34-33, which ultimately halted their hopes of lifting the Premiership trophy for the first time in 32 years.

Gala head coach, George Graham, said: "Millbrae is going to be the place to be tomorrow. Historically contests between Gala and Ayr have been tight, with the match back in March underlining that.

"There is a new coaching set-up at Ayr and I'm sure Calum [Forrester] and Scott [Forrest] will be adding their own brand of rugby to an already exciting team.” BT Premiership defending champions, Melrose will begin their 2014-15 league campaign against Edinburgh Accies at home, while Boroughmuir, who return to the top-flight division this season will open against Stirling County at Meggetland.

Some four miles away, last season's Cup champions and the inaugural Charity Shield winners, Heriot's will welcome Glasgow Hawks, in a re-match of the 2014 Cup final, to Goldenacre.

Finally, former Scotland internationalists Nikki Walker, capped 24 times for his country and Ben Cairns, who won seven caps, will go head-to-head in a battle of their own as they lead their sides, Hawick and Currie for the first time in the Premiership at Malleny Park.

Pro-players available to the clubs this weekend are Murray McConnell (Ayr), Damien Hoyland (Melrose) and Alex Toolis (Edinburgh Accies).

Visit www.scottishrugby.org for team selections and comments.