BT Premiership | Coaches preview final showdown

Melrose and Ayr will go head-to-head in the BT Premiership final tomorrow (Saturday 15 April) as the top two teams from Scotland’s premier club competition look to claim the league title at The Greenyards (kick-off 3pm). Melrose, who finished top of the BT Premiership table and four points ahead of Ayr, have already secured the Bill McLaren Shield in recent weeks and go into Saturday’s final high on confidence following their 42-15 semi-victory over Currie. Ayr have also enjoyed a regular spot inside the top four this season and recorded an impressive 38-17 victory over Glasgow Hawks in their semi-final play-off clash at Millbrae to reach tomorrow’s final. Scottish Rugby caught up with the coaches looking to steer their respective clubs towards victory in the title decider. Melrose Head Coach, Rob Chrystie, said: “Only one change to the team that started against Currie in the semi-final, with Craig Jackson starting at inside centre. “We have an exciting bench with Nick Beavon being released by Edinburgh Rugby and the hugely impressive George Taylor ready to make an impact. The BT Premiership final this weekend at The Greenyards is sure to be full of passion and drama with both clubs desperate to be crowned 2017 club champions.”Ayr, as always, will be well prepared by Calum and his team for this deciding game. They have shown over the course of the season they have the ability to score in a number of ways and their defence is always a challenge to break.”We have prepared well this week and understand what is required when playing in these type of games. With a huge crowd expected, everyone is excited to get started in what is sure to be another Melrose-Ayr cracker.”Ayr Head Coach, Calum Forrester, said: The only change to the squad from the semi-final is Ross Curle who misses out through suspension, with Stafford McDowall coming into the starting team and Jamie Bova takes up the final sport on the bench.Ayr and Melrose have enjoyed a number of great battles over recent years and it is fitting that is had come down to the wire again this season. Rob [Chrystie] has done an outstanding job with his squad this season, shown by the run they have been on having not lost a match since October.”We have prepared well at training and over recent matches, and the players are in a good place going into this weekend. We are fully aware of the challenge that lies ahead at The Greenyards and we will need to raise our game again for the climax of the BT Premiership this season.”The Teams…Melrose: Fraser Thomson; Austin Lockington, Nyal Godsmark, Craig Jackson, Sam Pecqueur; Jason Baggott, Murdo McAndrew; Jamie Bhatti, Russell Anderson, Ruaridh Knott, Neil Irvine Hess, Grant Runciman CAPTAIN, Iain Moody. Replacements: Cammy McKay, Dan Elkington, Nick Beavon, Ali Grieve, Peter Eccies, Bruce Colvine, George Taylor.Ayr: Grant Anderson; Danny McCluskey, Archie Russell, Stafford McDowall, Craig Gossman; Frazier Climo, David Armstrong; George Hunter, Lewis Anderson, Steven Longwell, Robert McAlpine, Scott Sutherland, Blair MacPherson, Will Bordill, Pete McCallum CAPTAIN. Replacements: David Young, Djustice Sears-Duru, Adam Prentice, Gregor Henry, Harry Warr, Jamie Bova, Richard Dalgleish.BT Premiership Final: Melrose v Ayr, The Greenyards, 3pm