Callum Kerr @ Goldenacre
The Ayrshire Bulls secured a statement win on the road against Heriots Rugby earlier today. They ‘nilled’ the hosts in what turned out to be a comfortable 0-28 victory.
It marks their third win on the bounce after a shaky start and moves them to second in the league, leapfrogging Watsonians.
(Image – Malcolm Mackenzie. Eli Caven was in the heart of the action early doors)
It was the dream start for the Bulls. Early pressure soon resulted in three points from the tee when Heriots were caught offside. The initial break came courtesy of Eli Caven, who’s piercing run put the Bulls in touching distance. Tom Jordan was able to open his kicking account from the resulting penalty.
Moments later the Bulls got their first score. Once again it was Caven who provided the spark. The winger sprung through the line but was pulled down metres short. A loose pass went to ground but Robbie Nairn was on-hand to scoop the ball and muscle over through contact.
A quick penalty shortly after, followed by a carbon-copy try for Nairn, gave him his brace and Ayr a 0-18 lead early doors.
Despite both sides flirting with the try line there after neither side got back on the scoreboard in the first half.
Half-time: Heriots Rugby 0-18 Ayrshire Bulls
The intensity ramped up in the second half, resulting in both sides struggling to mount any real challenge for the line.
After half an hour of the score stalling the Bulls eventually broke through again. The ball shipped wide to winger Aaron Tait who had little to no room in front of him but managed to shrug off a pair of tacklers – with the second due to an almighty left-hand fend. Tait did remarkably well to prevent being shoved into touch, balancing acutely on the inside of the pitch and leaping through the air to score.
Moments later they were at it again, with Blair MacPherson making a captain’s contribution to secure the bonus point seven minutes from the final whistle. It was Heriot’s scrum on the five-metre line, but the Bulls drove them back in heroic fashion to give MacPherson a simple dot down to conclude the scoring.
Full-time: Heriots Rugby 0-28 Ayrshire Bulls.
There were a handful of contenders for FOSROC player of the match, but it was fly-half Tom Jordan who fought off stiff competition from his comrades. The kiwi expertly managed his side’s attack and didn’t shy away from defensive confrontation.
Tries: Robbie Nairn (2), Aaron Tait, Blair Macpherson.
Penalties: Tom Jordan (2)
Conversion: Tom Jordan