The Merit League is very well structured to ensure a minimum number of cry-offs and provides an ideal vehicle for the development squad.
Greg Edwards's team came of age last season, winning the Pyman Cup against much bigger and older sides, and now relishing the opportunity for some good competitive rugby.
A number of the lads have been training twice a week every week in pre-season with Edwards and Butler playing for the 1sts at Broughton Park. It will be interesting to see who else makes it through this season.
Davy Tighe has added himself to tomorrow's squad. He was unable to travel to Hawick and will be missing from the first team which takes on Rovers next week after John Stabler organised a golfing weekend to Spain!
His experience will be appreciated by some talented young players.