Callum Kerr @ Millbrae
Ayr Ladies followed the men’s Tennent’s National one title victory with one of their own this afternoon at a soaked Millbrae. Despite Oban Lorne controlling much of the match, Ayr’s clinical edge with little ball proved the difference – coasting to a 38-5 win.
Catherine Shennan kick-started proceedings with a try within the opening exchanges. A loose ball was gathered by the centre who had the easiest of run-ins. She followed the score by converting from the tee.
Oban had no intention of it being a walkover and found a level of defensive fortitude after the early blunder.
Although playing against the tide Ayr ran in their second after half an hour. Jo Jones picked up from a maul and swooped round the charging defenders to get over in the corner.
Despite the best of intentions, the conditions made it hard for either side to gather momentum. Oban enjoyed most of the territory but couldn’t convert their pressure into anything tangible.
Half-time: Ayr Ladies 12-0 Oban Lorne Women
Ayr bagged their third score on the 50-minute mark. After a handful of phases worked them to the line Jo Jones was on-hand to carry through contact and dive clear.
Ten minutes later the number eight wrapped up her hattrick, securing the all-important bonus point that would lead to league triumph twenty minutes later.
Oban deserved a score for their efforts and got their just reward on the 66th minute. The twelve opened their account with a nice score, but Alice Wilson responded with one of her own to scrub the difference.
Ayr ladies didn’t take their foot of the gas and a try in injury time was a poetic way to cap-off victory and secure the league title.
Full-time: Ayr Ladies 38-5 Oban Lorne
Unsurprisingly, Jo Jones’ three-try effort and all-round abrasiveness earned her player of the match honours.