This afternoon Ayr rallied back from a half-time deficit to snatch a late victory over Highland at Millbrae. Despite the 3-14 disadvantage at the break, Ayr held their visitors scoreless in the second forty and conjured a handful of tries to inch a victory.
It was low temperatures with glimmering sunshine at Millbrae, creating crisp but ideal conditions for kick-off.
Ayr started off lively and controlled the early exchanges. A held-up try within the opening minutes was the closest they got to a score, but a penalty shortly after from Jamie Bova put them ahead.
Highland responded excellently and after regathering possession from the restart manged to break free. A marauding run from Magnus Holden propelled him up the touchline, evading a couple of tackles before dotting down. Scott Fraser made it a 3-7 lead to the visitors after 30 minutes.
Another score from Highland followed. This time they opted from route one and broke through the middle of the park. Ayr did well to rally but a well-timed pass to the supporting Hugo Crush was enough to make it to the line. Scott Fraser converted once more.
Half-time: Ayr RFC 3-14 Highland RFC
Ayr needed a resurgence and whatever words Stuart Fenwick shared at half time seemed to do the trick. A revived home side sprung into life at the restart and a quick score from Jamie Bova thrusted them back into contention. His conversion was followed by a penalty moments later and all of a sudden a single point was the difference between the sides.
The decisive play came with just minutes left on the clock. Highland looked dangerous but after a handful of failed attempts to kill the game Ayr broke from their own half. A string of well-timed passes managed to work the ball around defenders before Scott Watson found himself striding clear with nobody to beat. The conversion didn’t land but the difference was enough to secure Ayr a late victory.
Full-time: Ayr RFC 18-14 Highland RFC
It wasn’t plain sailing for Ayr but despite being under the cosh for much of the match Ross McCorkindale marshalled his squad around the field expertly and his tactical kicking kept Highland out when it mattered most. His performance earned him Press Player of the Match honours.