After last Saturday's postponement, this weekend sees the second attempt at the final game of the first portion of the 2016-17 East 2 season, after which the league will split into a top 6 and bottom 8 to conclusion. Having now played everyone but the Medics, and following Saturday's 44-24 defeat at Dalkeith, Leith are disappointed to have a top 6 finish outwith their own control. In order to compete in the Championship (2A) section, a bonus point victory is required. Our visitors have had a fairly successful first season in East 2, sitting just 3 places behind Leith in 10th position going into the weekend, and come off a 25-14 victory over Liberton in their last outing, on December 14. Whatever the outcome on Saturday, the first 13 games see Leith looking to finish the 2016-17 campaign strongly, and to that end, a big home crowd cheering the boys on will go along way to supporting this aim.
Team news: 3 changes from the selection for last weekend, with Fraser Forsyth, Doug Watters and Neil Paterson unavailable due to work commitments. Ollie main switches to blindside flanker, with Javier Hervas promoted from the bench playing open. The backs adjustment sees Dave Robertson move in from wing to 13, and Joel Doherty onto the wing.
1 Stuart Wilson, 2 Choo Lawrie, 3 Bruce Connelly, 4 Mijke McLeish, 5 Toby Kirkwood, 6 Ollie Main, 7 Javier Hervas, 8 Luke McKinney, 9 Andrew Paterson, 10 Ben Wilkinson, 11 Jon Derrin, 12 Andy Homer, 13 Dave Robertson, 14 Joel Doherty, 15 Kenny Dannfald (c)
16 Greg Hancock, 17 Robert Stitt, 18 George Forrest, 19 Andy Barr
Meanwhile in the the 2nd XV will take on Musselburgh 3rd XV at Pinkie Playing Fields in Mussellburgh. The 2s are keen to avenge for a tough loss in East Lothian earlier in the campaign, and having played together more consistently over the past few months, are confident of a better display.