MELROSE’S influential back rower, John Dalziel, could face another lengthy spell on the sidelines after he picked up a bad injury in his team’s defeat by Gala on Boxing Day, writes Kenny Paterson.
The 34-year-old coach attended hospital on Monday night for an X-ray on his collar-bone, which he broke in October playing for the South of Scotland against the Barbarians.
Melrose director of rugby Mike Dalgetty said: “John was in quite a bit of pain and it doesn’t look good.”
Craig Chalmers’ men travel to Selkirk on Monday in the RBS Border Cup and despite neither team being able to qualify for the semi-finals of the national competition after Gala’s win, both will be desperate to win.
For the Souters, victory over the Greenyards side would be a massive boost ahead of their first fixture in Premier C against Whitecraigs next month.
Selkirk coach Ewan Robbie said: “Melrose are one of the top teams in Scottish rugby and we will be trying our best against them.”
Neil Darling and Ross Nixon will miss the Philiphaugh match, but Rory Aglen and Ryan Crockett are expected to feature.
Gala’s hugely successful season thus far should continue with a Border League final spot by beating lowly Langholm on Monday at Netherdale.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh travel to Glasgow on New Year’s Day for part two of the 1872 Cup.
The side’s drew 23-23 at Murrayfield on Boxing Day after ex-Selkirk winger Lee Jones misjudged a high ball to allow Ruaridh Jackson to touch down in the closing stages.
Edinburgh had led 23-10 in front of 13,240 spectators, with Jedburgh fly-half Greig Laidlaw landing eight points with the boot for the capital side.