Rugby: Eccles has got his cake and he's happy eating it . .

Prize guy Peter Eccles has confirmed his emergence as one of the mainstays of a revived Heriot's side by claiming the club's latest man-of-the-match award.

Individual recognition was introduced this season on an aggregate points basis and reflects the 25-year-old flanker's willingness to give a lead that is especially valuable at a time when a series of tough fixtures gets underway with champions Currie visiting Goldenacre tomorrow ahead of subsequent clashes with Ayr (away) and Melrose (home).

To face the three Scottish qualifiers for the British and Irish Cup in successive weeks is a tall order but fresh from starring in the away win at Stirling County, to add to what he claims was an especially satisfying win over Watsonians, Eccles believes the best is still to come.

"I'm a Herioter who, at school, was on the receiving end of some 70-point thrashings by Watson's College sides. Our win a fortnight ago provided a bit of revenge although I'm glad they avoided relegation because the derby fixture is a highlight.

"We are just happy to have got maximum points so far but there really is plenty of scope for much-needed improvement against a Currie side who have some quality players including Ross Weston and Richard Snedden."

Snedden and Eccles were colleagues in an Edinburgh under-19 side which swept to the inter-district title unbeaten a few years ago.

And, while Snedden and Weston have gained clubs' international caps and the likes of Steve Lawrie and Neil Cochrane have gone on to gain pro contracts, Eccles' career, which started as a teenager against Aberdeen Grammar FPs and alongside back row stalwarts Craig Harrison and Tam McVie, has been rather overshadowed - until now.

And some outstanding performance brought a tribute from Heriot's coach Bob McKillop, who said: "Peter is definitely an unsung hero who gives it a 100 per cent every week, is very athletic and dynamic. He has really emerged from the shadow of the retired Tam McVie and has started in excellent form."

Eccles admits he has taken on fresh responsibilities, saying: "While previous coaches, such as Jock Bryce, were great at introducing me to senior rugby Bob and Roddy Deans have got me thinking about the game a lot more.

"As a farmer who helps look after cattle, sheep and arable crops on a total of 300 acres around Edinburgh, I play very much for fun and, instead of worrying about mistakes that might happen, I'm now concentrating on positives and getting the most out of every game.

"Only Marc Teague and Stewart Mustard have been at the club longer than me in the current squad and what also helped was taking a year out in Australia after graduating from agricultural college. That allowed some long-term injuries to heal and I'm also drawing on Heriot's venture into the last B & I Cup when playing at places like Bristol and Munster last season was a tremendous experience."

There is plenty of rugby pedigree in this super-enthusiast, too, with his dad, Willie Eccles, a former stand-off with Lasswade while memories exist of visiting Border-based grandparents and growing up watching the outstanding Melrose team of the early-mid 1990s.

"I've always had a soft spot for Melrose and missing Heriot's cup final win over them two seasons ago when I had just returned from Australia was a pain, but hopefully the current side can develop into a trophy-winning outfit.

"We'll certainly know more about our potential after the next three matches and the feeling is we are just waiting to click." Unavailable for Heriot's this week is No.?8 Mark Lee whereas Currie have a stronger look with Tom Brown back from Edinburgh duty and clubs' international pair Mark Cairns and Andy Macmahon also involved again.

At Meggetland, Boroughmuir make changes for the meeting with West.

Stevie Wilson is out with a shoulder injury so James Fish gets his first start while Ross Neill takes over from Jordan Webster on the wing.

At second row, Ally Davidson is unavailable so Tom McColl is promoted.

Struggling Watsonians have injury worries ahead of a trip to Selkirk.

In Division Two, Edinburgh Academical, fresh from pulling back a deficit of 18 points to beat Biggar last week now visit GHA.

Stewart's Melville will be looking for their first victory at Biggar with Musselburgh heading for Howe of Fife in Division Three.