Ayr v Melrose preview

It's been nearly five months since Ayr's first XV last trotted out on to the Millbrae pitch, and three since they lifted the Scottish Cup at Murrayfield to end a historic season for the club.  Tomorrow, they're back home to face Melrose, the team they narrowly beat on that memorable day in April.

Despite a bonus-point win last weekend over Stirling County to kick off the season, Ayr won't be resting on their laurels.  Head coach Peter Laverie knows what they're up against when they take on Melrose.

"Ayr-Melrose games are never boring and always played fiercely and competitively, so we know we will have to give it our all to gain victory," he explains.  "John Dalziel is an excellent coach and he will have his players ready to provide a physical challenge and an intense contest."

The men in pink and black are ready too.

"We identified key areas to work on and the players have put in a good shift this week to prepare," Laverie continues.  "This remains an ambitious and determined Ayr squad and they will definitely want to put on a show for the first home game of the season."

There is only one change to the line-up, with stand-off Sylvain Diez replacing Ross Curle, who moves to outside centre.  The bench features Scotland under-20s prop James Malcolm alongside Ayr regulars Stuart Fenwick, Murray McConnell and Richard Dalgleish. 

The second XV and under-18s are also playing on Saturday, which is Ladies' Day, so a big crowd is expected for the first home tie of the season.

Team:
15. Grant Anderson, 14. Cammy Taylor, 13. Ross Curle, 12. Robbie Fergusson, 11. Kerr Gossman; 10. Sylvain Diez, 9. Peter Jericevich; 1. Denford Mutamangira, 2. Fergus Scott, 3. Nick Cox; 4. Scott Sutherland, 5. Colin White; 6. Graham Fisken, 7. Andrew Dunlop, 8. Calum Forrester (capt).

Replacements:
16. James Malcolm, 17. Stuart Fenwick, 18. Callum Templeton, 19. Murray McConnell, 20. Richard Dalgleish.


EH

Statement on Referee Abuse

Our rugby club is fully committed to ensuring that match officials are treated with respect at all times and not subjected to any abuse.

The Premiership Forum (formal group of Premiership clubs) has issued a statement to this end:

"The concerning and increasing trend of incidents of abuse of referees has been highlighted by the Scottish Rugby Union, and all RBS Premiership clubs have jointly agreed to ensure that all players, coaches, club officials and members understand that this will not be tolerated at any level of play and we will work to remove the problem from our game.  Please show respect to our match officials at all times."

Ayr RFC is wholly supportive of this statement.

Frazier Climo to join Scarlets

Ayr favourite and stand-off Frazier "Crackles" Climo is set to join the Scarlets at the end of October on a two year contract.  Everybody at Millbrae wishes him well and this is a well-deserved appointment after his performances with Taranaki.  Frazier set the Scottish club scene alight with his dazzling play and reliable goal-kicking.

 

For the full story on the BBC website go here.

Stirling County v Ayr preview

The new season kicks off tomorrow as RBS Premiership champions and Scottish Cup winners Ayr travel to Bridgehaugh to take on Stirling County.  Despite doing the double last season, new head coach Peter Laverie has wiped the slate clean for the start of the league campaign.

"Past achievements won't win games," he says.  "There's no doubt Stirling will provide a stern challenge in front of their home crowd.  I expect a physical battle and an intense match."

He continues: "Our players enjoyed a good break and have worked very hard in pre-season training.  We're lucky to have a big squad of committed players."

It is a squad largely unchanged from last season, with only a few additions.  Making his Ayr debut at hooker is Fergus Scott, with James Malcolm as back-up on the bench and Callum Templeton, returning from a serious long-term injury, also amongst the replacements. 

"There has been stiff competition for places so far," reveals Laverie, "and a number of first XV candidates are playing in the second XV this week."

Kerr Gossman is back in the starting line-up after missing large parts of last season with an arm injury.  Calum Forrester will again captain the side.


Team:
15. Grant Anderson, 14. Cammy Taylor, 13. Robbie Fergusson, 12. Dean Kelbrick, 11. Kerr Gossman, 10. Ross Curle, 9. Peter Jericevich; 1. Denford Mutamangira, 2. Fergus Scott, 3. Nick Cox; 4. Scott Sutherland, 5. Colin White; 6. Graham Fisken, 7. Andrew Dunlop, 8. Calum Forrester (capt).

Replacements:
16. James Malcolm, 17. D'Arcy Rae, 18. Callum Templeton, 19. Sylvain Diez, 20. Richard Dalgleish.

Kick-off 3pm.


EH

Robbie at Murrayfield club launch day

Ayr's wunderkind Robbie Fergusson attended the club launch day at Murrayfield yesterday, as representatives from the men's and women's leagues gathered to mark the start of the new season. 

You can see photos of the launch here and a video of the day here and read David Ferguson's season preview, including an interview with Robbie, in today's Scotsman.

Peter talks to The Herald

Ayr's new head coach Peter Laverie talks to Neil Drysdale in today's Herald about the challenges in the season ahead and the new players arriving at Millbrae, as well the fresh young faces to watch out for.  Read the article here.

Peter also spoke to Kevin Ferrie of The Sunday Herald, which can be seen here.

U18s Kirkgate 10s tournament

The U18s host their annual 10s tournament this coming Sunday, starting at 12 noon.  Teams from Kircaldy, Whitecraigs, Cartha, Dalziel, GHA, Dumfries, Hawks and Waysiders will join the Ayr team for an exciting day of rugby.

It would be great to see supporters come down and support the boys who are defending the Cup from last year.

Many thanks to the McDonald family who have once again sponsored the Cup for this event.

Ayr narrowly beaten in final pre-season match

Ayr travelled to Newcastle to take on Blaydon RFC in their last pre-season friendly before they begin their defence of the premiership title next weekend.

In a tough, physical encounter, Ayr scored four tries - the first from Craig Brown and a hat-trick from Nick Cox - but couldn't hold off Blaydon, who won 29-26.  It was the perfect preparation for what is sure to be once again a hugely competitive league campaign.

The second XV and Millbrae sides fared better, both getting wins over Limavady firsts and seconds in Alloway on Saturday afternoon.

The Ayr first XV now turn their attention to Stirling County, whom they take on in their opening match of the new season at Bridgehaugh, 3pm.

Pro player draft for the new season announced

The draft of players from Glasgow Warriors, Edinburgh and the Scotland 7s squad to the ten premiership clubs was announced on Friday afternoon and Ayr have been allotted some familiar and exciting names.

Former Ayr centre Mark Bennett could once again pull on the pink and black jersey, as could James Eddie (back row) , Ed Kalman (prop) and Ruaridh Jackson (fly-half), who all featured in matches last season.  Also in the draft are prop Jerry Yanuyanutawa, back row Ryan Wilson, Fijian flier Niko Matawalu, hooker Dougie Hall, Warriors captain Al Kellock and British and Irish Lion Stuart Hogg. 

Ayr head coach Peter Laverie is delighted with the draft. 

"It's a good thing for professionals to get the chance to play with club players and vice-versa and it’s extremely important that we have a good connection between the clubs and the professional teams."

Read the full story here.

Places left at Ladies' Lunch

There are still a few places left at the first Ladies' Lunch of the season on Saturday 31st August.  It will take place in a marquee at Millbrae and the ticket includes entry to Ayr's first home match of the 2013/14 league campaign against Melrose. 

This has become one of the best social events not only in Ayrshire but the club rugby community, so don't miss out on a fantastic day at the home of the premier league and cup champions.

For more information or to book a seat, please contact Eilidh Rankin on 07879671272 or eilidhr@hotmail.com. 



Ayr players feature in Warriors 53-0 win over Aberdeen Grammar

The young Glasgow Warriors side that faced Aberdeen Grammar in a pre-season friendly at Rubislaw featured several faces familiar to the Millbrae faithful (if any had ventured north).  Ayr alumni Gordon Reid and Mark Bennett started alongside current players Robbie Fergusson and Finn Russell.  In the sixty-minute match, Reid went over for one of nine tries, as did Ayr youngster and EDP Gavin Lowe, with Russell converting the latter.  All four men on the bench more used to the pink and black than the black and white the Warriors were wearing last night - Lowe, D'arcy Rae, Denford Mutamangira and Peter Jericevich - got on the field.

Highlights are available at youtube.com/glasgowwarriors.

Proven winners in the Herald

Kenny picks up Kevin Ferrie's endorsement in today's Herald as a proven winner who can help drive Scottish Rugby forward.

Go here for the article.

Eight Ayr players past and present in Warriors squad

Glasgow Warriors head north for their first pre-season tie with eight Millbrae men in their squad.  Former Ayr players Gordon Reid and Mark Bennett start at prop and centre respectively, and are joined in the starting line-up to face Aberdeen Grammar by Finn Russell and Robbie Fergusson.  Elite Development players D'arcy Rae and Gavin Lowe are on the bench alongside Ayr first XV regulars Denford Mutamangira, a Zimbabwe internationalist, and Peter Jericevich, a Scotland 7s player.

Well done to all concerned and we await news of who can get on the scoresheet tomorrow evening at Rubislaw.

Read the full story here.

New merchandise and last season's stock clearance

New season training wear has started to arrive.  First up is the black gym t-shirt with pink accents (pictured below) in sizes adult small to XL, priced at £20.

 

 

New black hoodies with pink accents (pictured below) are also in stock, priced at £35.  Despite the rise in costs, most kit prices remain the same as the past two seasons.  In the same range, a 1/4 zip top is in stock too, priced at £35.

 



 



Last season's selection is on sale at reduced prices.

 

Pink On Field Strip: Adult Sizes M + L reduced from £45 to £35.

Kids Hoodies Sizes: YS, YM, YL, YXL reduced from £30 to £17.
Wetpants Adult: XL reduced from £30 to £20.
Wetpants Kids: YS, YM, YL, YXL reduced from £25 to £18.
Kids 1/4 Zip Fleece: YS, YM, YL, YXL reduced to £15.
Kids Woven Pants: YL, YXL reduced to £17.
Kids Gym Tees: YL, YXL reduced to £12.

There are very limited numbers, so we are operating a first come first served basis.  Please contact Sarah if you would like to reserve something.  She will be dropping in at Millbrae throughout this week and next so let her know if you would like to meet up and see the sale items.  

You can email Sarah at sarahjsharkey@btinternet.com or message her via our Facebook page.

 

 





OBITUARY: Willie Service

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Millbrae stalwart Willie Service, who passed away on Thursday at the age of seventy-nine.  Willie played for Ayr across three decades, from the early 1950s until the late 1970s, before taking on the role of first XV touch judge for a couple of years in the early 1990s.  He also refereed for a number of seasons and was secretary of the rugby club social golf section for fifteen years.  Wee Willie will be greatly missed.

His funeral is on Wednesday 7th August at Ayr Crematorium, 2pm.

Ayr's first pre-season match is Kenny's last



It was fitting that Ayr kicked off their first pre-season fixture and final outing with head coach Kenny Murray at the helm at Cartha QP.  Kenny joined Ayr from the southside of Glasgow club five years ago, and he prowled the touchline in the black training top and shorts for the last time as the side he has steered to cup and league glory notched up fourteen tries to nil.

The match at Dumbreck was split into four quarters, with personnel being changed at each interval, so everyone got a run-out and all kicks were abandoned with the focus purely on tries.  Touching down, amongst others, were promising youngsters Murray Beckwith and Scott Houston, with a brace a piece from Robbie Fergusson, Peter McCallum and Richard Dalgliesh.  Andrew Dunlop and Dean Kelbrick also scored.  Cartha were unable to stop the men in pink and black and unfortunately could not find a way through their defence.

The teams repaired to the clubhouse to give Kenny a warm send-off.  We wish him all the very best in his new role at Glasgow Warriors.

Pre-season fixtures

It's not long till the season starts, and in the run-up Ayr will be playing some friendly and training matches.  Here are the confirmed fixtures so far.

Saturday 3rd August - Cartha QP (away), KO 3pm.  Free entry and depending on the weather, a barbecue afterwards.

Tuesday 6th August - Greenock (away), 7pm.  Joint training and game.

Saturday 10th August - Selkirk (away), KO 3pm.

Saturday 17th August - Blaydon (away), KO 3pm.

Saturday 17th August - Limavady (home), 3pm, 2nd XV and Millbrae.