IT IS an absolute rule in sport: in the days before any competition starts, everybody is a believer, everybody is a winner. We all know reality will quickly destroy most of those dreams, but at the moment, there are 10 BT Premiership clubs where people believe that with a fair wind and a bit of luck, they can get fight for the title.

Last season, Heriot's ended out head and shoulders above the rest, capturing all three trophies they played for but in losing the Charity Shield last week to Melrose, they looked a shadow of the side that has dominated the last couple of campaigns. They may recover but even Phil Smith, the coach, accepts they have a tough rebuilding job after losing key players.

So, if not Heriot's, which are the clubs with realistic chances of the title, and which are the dreamers?

As contenders, it is hard to look past the other two of the big three in recent years. Ayr and Melrose look to have manage to evolve their squads without losing that vital element of consistency that allows them to keep going from year to year. Currie, are the other big threat but start with a lengthy injury list, and with Ayr first up today, it is a tough start.

Ayr have the pedigree, hosting the final last season only to lose after also coughing up a winning lead in the home semi final the year before. They feel they have the firepower to end two years of hurt.

"Right now we are just thinking about getting a home semi final at the end of the season before we think about righting any wrongs," said Peter McCallum, the Ayr captain. "If we can get there or there abouts, we will be chuffed. It has been a good few seasons, just boys coming through and stepping up."

Much the same is true of Melrose, where they have a new coach in Rob Chystie, stepping up from the assistant role, and the odd new face but a lot of familiarity. "Nothing changes," Chrystie said. "I have been here working with both the last two head coaches, so it just as it was, really."

What is changing in the league is the growing involvement of Scotland caps. Ben Cairns, Nikki Walker, Marcus Di Rollo and Peter Wright are there as head coaches, while Callum Forrester at Ayr is a sevens cap. Increasingly you are also seeing the likes of Simon Taylor, Chris Fusaro, and Steve Lawrie turning up as assistants. It all helps building the quality.