Watsonians make changes as they target third place

The 27-year-old lock, who played for Glasgow Hawks and has spent the past three seasons with Australian outfit Gordon, starts on the bench for the hosts. His arrival is timely with rising star Jamie Hodgson in the Scotland Under-20 team to play Wales.

Euan Dods moves into the second row alongside skipper Craig Borthwick, as Sonians seek a win that would move them into third spot in the table. They will be without playmaker Rory Hutton who is unavailable for the visit of his former side, meaning Andrew Chalmers takes over duties at stand-off and Rory Steele lines up at full-back.

Lawrie is also delighted to include dynamic back rower Rory Drummond for a match that promises to be a tough test.

“Hawick are in fine form and have shown a lot of grit in recent weeks,” he said. “Their pack is functioning very well and they have a well organised defence that pressures teams into mistakes. We look forward to welcoming them for what should be a cracking match.”

Boroughmuir are in desperate need of a victory when they take on Stirling County (kick-off 12.30pm).

The match has been switched to Lasswade as Meggetland, which is managed by Edinburgh Leisure, is being used for another sporting event.

Grant McConnell will line up at full-back for Muir in place of Ciaran Whyte, while Rob Ure is granted his first start for the club after impressing off the bench in last week’s match against Hawick.

Currie Chieftains returned to second spot in the league with a comfortable win at Stirling, and they will move to within one win of securing a home play-off if they record a victory on their trip to meet Glasgow Hawks.

Chieftains coach Ben Cairns has a settled forward pack but has made several changes behind the scrum with David Hall, Angus Paton and Archie Maclean all in the starting line-up.

Cairns was happy with the second-half effort in last week’s success and is urging his men to continue in the same vain, saying: “There were still some clear areas to work on. However, the application and attitude of the players could not be faulted. More of the same will be required this weekend in another tough away match.”