Ayr bowed out of this year’s BT Cup on Saturday with a
narrow defeat away to Hawick at the quarter-final stage. Finalists last year,
Ayr couldn’t quite get one step closer to BT Finals day despite firing out of
the blocks.
Straight from the off their intention showed. Matt Davidson
recovered Scott Lyle’s kick-off and darted free up the wing. He would
eventually be brought down just short but a lacklustre Hawick gave away an easy
penalty, gifting Lyle three points in the opening minutes. The lead was doubled
in the same fashion on 12 minutes when Steven Longwell got over the ball and
Hawick were penalised for holding on.
After an opening twenty dominated by the Ayrshire men Hawick
started to look like the feared outfit Graham has made them. Their potential to
score from anywhere was showcased soon after. Just as Ayr looked in pole
position to add to their lead a loose ball fell to Hawick hands and
kick-started an 80-metre counter attack. After countless offload’s they were
eventually brought down but they managed to grab the game’s opening try a few
phases later. Lee Armstrong’s conversion
made it 7-6 after half-an-hour.
Just before the intermission James Armstrong replaced Craig
Gossman to mark his 1st XV debut. As the team’s prepared for
half-time the game took another twist when both side’s captains were sent to the
bin.
HT: Hawick 7-6 Ayr.
When play resumed it was clear this was going to be a fiercely
competitive match. Hawick looked to extend their lead on the 47th
minute with an audacious penalty attempt from their own half. Winger Gary Munro
slotted it to increase the home side’s lead to 10-6.
Ayr’s breakthrough came moments after. The ever-dangerous David
Armstrong sniped around the side of the ruck and looked poised to score until
an incredible covering tackle bundled him into touch. Ayr found the line in the
next few phases. A driving maul put them in touching distance allowing Lewis
Anderson to touch down. Lyle converted to make it a three-point game.
Ayr were back in front and cruising. Dominant scrummaging
allowed them to make territory but Hawick looked dangerous and threated when in
possession.
Hawick broke once more and scored the deciding try on the
hour mark. Lee Armstrong slotted the conversion to make it 17-13- advantage Hawick.
As the last 20 minutes dwindled away Ayr frantically tried
to build an attack but Hawick’s grit on defence gave them nothing.
Gary Munro sealed the victory with another long-range kick
with five minutes left on the clock.
FT: Hawick 20-13 Ayr.
It is a quick turnaround for Ayr who have to dust themselves
down and welcome Hawick to Millbrae in the league this Saturday. With such a competitive
match playing out yesterday it’s set to be a cracker.
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