Callum Kerr @ Bridgehaugh
Ayr came out victors in this afternoon’s first match at Bridgehaugh. It was fine margins between the sides – with the lead changing hands numerous times – but in the end Ayr pulled away and defended their lead tightly en route to a 10-18 win.
Ayr came into the match following a disappointing defeat to Highland and were eager to start with intent. From the off they made good in-roads to the Stirling half and were rewarded with an easy three points through an infringement at the ruck. Jamie Bova didn’t need to be asked twice to split the uprights.
Ayr remained lively but a barrage of errors on both sides resulted in a lack of momentum. After a forgetful opening twenty minutes County’s Jonny Hope chalked it all up with a penalty of his own.
Eventually Ayr manged to turn their control into more points. From a rolling maul Stuart Collier burrowed his way over to make the lead five. Jamie Bova’s conversion didn’t stick.
One last charge before the break looked promising for Ayr, but Stirling did well to usher them into touch inches short.
Half-time: Stirling County 3-8 Ayr Rugby
Stirling came alive after the interval. A line-break at halfway thrusted them up the field before the supporting Andrew Rutherford found himself cantering over unchallenged. Jonny Hope’s successful conversion put them ahead.
The lead was short-lived, and moments later Jamie Bova inched Ayr back in front with a routine penalty in the shadow of the posts.
Showing no sign of slowing, Ayr added to their lead moments later with another score. Jamie Bova split the uprights to make it an eight-point lead.
County mounted a late charge as the match ticked on but couldn’t shift a stubborn Ayr defence.
FULL-TIME: Stirling County 10-18 Ayr Rugby
It was victory too for Ayr/Millbrae, beating their county equivalents 10-18. Zac Howard was named Man of the match on his return to the side.