Preview: Dundee v Melrose

After what’s felt like a never ending season, we’ve reached our final game for the 21/22 league. Melrose will be looking to further add to their credentials as a top 4 team within the league, and we will be looking to show our potential for next season as well. With Heriots, Cartha Queens Park & Boroughmuir’s fates all now decided, National 1 looks to be an extremely competitive league again for the 22/23 season - Newly promoted GHK and Stewart’s Melville will be looking to make an immediate impact within the league, and Aberdeen Grammar will be looking to bounce back into the Premiership as soon as possible. But for now, we look forward to getting everyone down to Alloway one last time to welcome our opposition from the Borders.

Coach Brown’s thoughts:

Last week we entertained a Gala side who shown exactly why they finished just 1 point shy of promotion this year - they were well drilled, handled well from 1-15 and attacked from anywhere. While I’m not pleased with some of our defensive efforts, our attack showed some real firepower - from our set piece to our counter attack play, we really showed how we want to go forward in attack. I want us to capitalise on that against Melrose this week.

The squad has had a rotation this week, with a few boys earning their first starts for Dundee. Calvin Nelson has had to wait for his first start this season, as he’s been named to start in several games which were postponed during the year & so I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes at 7. Likewise Kenni Gray, who has done a great job in the back 3 for the 2s this season and has earned the shot to prove himself. Sean Gauld’s ban means that the pack has had to be adjusted a bit, however I’m confident the boys can perform to the same level in the set piece & around the park as the last few weeks.

At the beginning of the season Melrose really looked like they were pushing for promotion, and were not far off the top 3 this year. They’re a team with some outstanding individuals and as a team like to play quick, exciting to watch rugby. Our boys will have to be at their best to contain their dangerous backline. However, with the weather hopefully on our side and our annual awards night later in the evening; the boys will be in full swing and will be pushing to get the win. I’m looking forward to getting everyone down to Alloway one last time this year. Kick off is slightly earlier this week - 2pm.