Ayr 2nd XV score five tries in friendly win against Carrick

Ayr 2nd XV welcomed Carrick to Millbrae on a blustery Thursday night to play a friendly match under the floodlights.

It was the Maybole side who had the better start and the lion's share of the possession and territory. They got on the scoreboard first too, kicking a penalty.

Ayr seemed stuck in their own half but, despite the muddy pitch, managed to work their way to the Carrick twenty-two and winger Jamie Bova flew over for a try. Paddy Dewhirst converted.

Carrick weren't letting up and Ayr had to put in some thumping tackles from Fraser Miller, David Young, Craig Brown and James Young.

The home team let loose in spectacular style, bursting out of their own half and up the wing, full-back Johnny McCorkindale racing away for a try, which Dewhirst converted.

Ayr scored again just after half-time, centre Graham Hunter collecting a cross-field kick and evading the Carrick defenders to get over the line. It went unconverted.

Ayr were down to fourteen men when Craig Stevenson was yellow-carded, and Carrick took advantage. They had to show tremendous patience, but scored and it was converted.

It was a short-lived revival as Ayr plunged for the line on one side and, after Carrick had turned over and tried to clear but Ayr regained possession, Sione Halafihi charged over on the far side of the pitch. It was a touchline conversion attempt by Dewhirst and he nailed it.

There was just time for another try in the mud for Ayr, James Pinkerton scoring under the posts and Dewhirst converting to bring the match to an end.

Final score: Ayr 2nd XV 33 Carrick 10.

- Elena Hogarth.