Llanelli v Melrose: Craig Chalmers admits Melrose face 'huge task' away to Llanelli

MELROSE flew into Wales last night ready for their third match in the British and Irish Cup knowing they face a stiff test against a young and mainly professional Llanelli side targeting a third win and place in the knockout stages.

The Borderers secured their first cup win against Esher at Galashiels earlier this month, having opened with a home defeat to Munster, while Llanelli, a team made up mainly of aspiring young pros and age-grade internationalists, are at home for the first time after recording wins at Munster and Esher. Melrose have Jamie Murray back at centre and local youngsters Joe Helps and Chris Hardie start at inside centre and wing respectively. Edinburgh back-row David Denton is released and starts at blindside flanker while Ewan Ford returns to the squad after injury.

Coach Craig Chalmers said: "After getting our first B&I Cup win against Esher we're looking forward to a tougher test against one of Wales' top club sides. Llanelli are currently third in their league and have two wins in the cup, so it's going to be a huge task, but we are all looking forward to it and believe that if our performance is a quality one we can get a positive result."

Llanelli: D Newton; J Lewis, N Reynolds, C Keenan, J James; S Shingler, G Davies; S Hopkins, C Hawkins (capt), A Hopkin, A Powell, D Day, A Shingler, N Cudd, M Gilbert. Subs: A Beaujean, R Lawrence, N White, D Eager, A Davies, I Evans, L Williams.

Melrose: F Thomson; C Anderson, J Murray, J Helps, C Hardie; S Wight, R Chrystie; N Little, W Mitchell, G Holborn, J Dalziel, G Elder, D Denton, G Runciman, G Dodds. Subs: G Innes, R Higgins, R Miller, S Johnston, S McCormick, C Jackson, E Ford.