Callum Kerr @ Poynter Park
Kelso Rugby ran out 24-10 victors in a top of the table clash with Ayr at Poynder Park this afternoon. A controlling performance at the set piece and breakdown proved the difference for the hosts, despite Ayr looking the sharper side in spells.
Kelso started and finished strong but a 16-10 stalemate which lasted for over half an hour made it a captivating watch for both sets of fans.
(Photo – George McMillan)
Ayr enjoyed pressure from the off but resilient defence from Kelso kept them at bay. Having weathered early pressure, they managed to score on their first venture into the opposition half. Frankie Robson broke through the line and did well to shrug off a handful of attempted tackles to open the scoring. Liam Herdmen made it 7-0 after as many minutes.
Jamie Bova had a chance at narrowing the gap moments later but couldn’t land a penalty from deep in the Kelso half.
Kelso extended their lead with two penalties of their own in quick succession – with Herdman taking advantage of some ill-discipline at the breakdown.
With the clock marching towards the interval Ayr finally got just reward for their territory. A handful of barnstorming runs from Rohan Pottie put them in touching distance before Scott Watson darted clear in the corner. The conversion from Jamie Bova was pushed just wide.
A second try minutes later thrusted Ayr back into contention. Jamie Bova did well to acknowledge space out wide and pulled off a crafty kick-pass to the chasing Zac Howard. Howard hit the ball mid-stride to dive clear.
A third penalty for Herdman concluded the half, pushing the home side’s lead to six.
Half-time: Kelso 16-10 Ayr
Kelso commanded control over the fixture for more than twenty minutes after the restart, rarely leaving the Ayr 22. Despite the abundance of pressure Stuart Fenwick’s men successful absorbed the onslaught until cracking in the 71st minute. A penalty in front of the posts allowed Herdman an easy opportunity at three points – he made no mistake.
The final blow for Ayr came in the dying embers, with a late score from Bruce McNeil sealing victory for the hosts.
Full-time: Kelso Rugby 24-10 Ayr Rugby.