Supporters Bus to the Greenyards

After a historic victory over Currie Chieftains last week Ayr booked themselves a spot in the BT Premiership Final away to Melrose.

Ayr have been successful in their last two trips to the Greenyards- including last years final where they spoiled the party for the home team.

As the boys aim to do it all again a supporters bus has been booked to paint the Greenyards pink and black- this time it HAS been booked...

We want you in the borders in full voice behind the boys to try help them retain the BT Premiership Trophy.

The bus will leave from Millbrae at 11am and is priced at £12 a head.

Join us at Millbrae afterwards for a Karaoke and Disco- hopefully celebrating another league title.

Chieftains 21-24 Ayr

Ayr’s never-say-die attitude secured a heroic victory on Saturday when they bounced back from an 18-point deficit just before half time against Currie Chieftains. You would be forgiven for thinking Ayr heads might drop when they found themselves down 21-3 with a man in the sinbin but Forrester’s men rallied back to win 21-24 in tremendous fashion. The win means they progress to the BT Premiership Final on April 7 against Melrose at the Greenyards- A replay of last year.

When the ref blew for kick-off it was clear who were the sharper team. More physical and hungrier, Currie fired out of the blocks and were rewarded with the opening score after five minutes. Michael Vernel cut through the line and in for the try, Forbes converted to make it 7-0.

A trait of Ayr's play this season has been impressive scrummaging and Saturday was no different. They managed to get on the scoreboard on the ten minute mark courtesy of Scott Lyle, who made full use of a scrum penalty won by the pack- 7-3.

Throughout the early stages sloppy errors haunted Ayr, with Currie getting numerous opportunities to attack. After 25 minutes the home side started to capitalise on the free possessions and Richie Vernon added to the lead from a rolling maul. Forbes conversion made it 14-3.

The bad soon turned to the ugly for Ayr, and just after the half hour mark a yellow card to Rob McAlpine was quickly followed by a Chieftains try. A man down, trailing by 18, the home side looked impenetrable and Ayr needed to find something spectacular if they wanted to fight back. 

Straight from the restart Ayr looked a different team. Tommy Spinks launched himself into the air and managed to tap the ball backwards to regain possession. From the following phase Ayr won a penalty at the breakdown which Lyle sent into the back of the stands. 

The half was beginning to wither away but for the first time in the contest Ayr had a platform to attack. Carries from Lewis Anderson and George Hunter drove Ayr closer and closer to the line before Steven Longwell powered through the home defence and in for the score. Lyle slotted the conversion to bring an end to the first forty- and narrowed the score to 21-10 in the process.

Ayr started the second half with purpose. The goal was obvious, and the determination admirable. The scrum started to haunt Currie once more. Three penalties in as many minutes resulted in all eyes on the ref, but no penalty try was needed as Robin Hislop bullied his way over for the score. Lyle's lofty conversion made it a four point game.

From the depths of despair only 20 minutes earlier Ayr were no in cruise control. Currie's penalty count was starting to add up and on the 57th minute another resulted in Scott Lyle sending the ball into touch at the five metre line. Lewis Anderson's throw-in was as straight as a dye and he was rewarded moments later when he bundled over from the back of a maul- Lyle converts. Ayr now led 21-24 at Malleny Park.

Currie's day was to get worse. with less than ten minutes to play a tip-tackle on skipper Pete McCallum resulted in Richie Vernon seeing red. 

Ayr looked to add to the lead from the following penalty, Lyle's lofty kick drifted wide but precious seconds were burned in the process.

Possibly one of the most intense finales to a game in recent memory, the ball remained in Currie's hands for over five minutes without any stoppages in play. They tried to barge towards the try line but meteoric defending from a possessed Ayr team constantly pushed them back. The roaring Chieftains fans were only drowned out by the colossal hits of Craig Gossman and George Stokes. Currie's ability to retain possession was sensational but Ayr's discipline was mouth watering. Deep into Injury time the ever-dangerous Charlie Sheil found a half yard of space and broke but Ayr managed to drag him down before he hit top speed. Ayr received a lucky break when a knock-on fell int their hands but the clearance missed touch- Currie charged once more. 

After what felt like hours of Ayr throwing their bodies into the firing line Currie fumbled- bringing an end to an incredible BT Premiership semi-final.

Ayr now defend their league title away to Melrose on April 7. 

BT Premiership Semi-Final Preview

Tomorrow Ayr travel to Malleny Park to face Currie Chieftains in the BT Premiership semi-final.

The last two contests between Currie and Ayr have been nail-biters. The teams last faced-off at the end of 2017 when Currie inched a 12-14 victory at Millbrae, with the time before that an injury time winner for Ayr in the BT Cup.

Ayr will take confidence in their 10, Scott Lyle, who picked up BT Premiership Golden Boot last weekend. In the backs Rory Hughes starts at 14 after being released to play by the Glasgow Warriors. Also returning is former Millbrae man Robbie Fergusson, who is freed up by Scotland 7s.

In the pack skipper Peter McCallum returns from injury alongside fellow back-rower Tommy Spinks. George Hunter moves into the second row for the injured Scott Sutherland. 

On the bench Paddy Dewhirst and Matt Davidson return to BT Premiership action after international duty with Scotland U-20s and U-19s, respectively.

Spaces are still available on the supporters bus heading to Malleny Park at 12.30 tomorrow. Contact the clubhouse on 01292 441944 to book your spot.

Squad: G. Anderson, R. Hughes, R. Fergusson, F. Climo, C. Gossman, S. Lyle, D. Armstrong; R. Hislop, L. Anderson, S. Longwell, G. Hunter, R. McAlpine, B. Macpherson, T. Spinks,  P. McCallum (C) 

Subs: D. Young, J. Agnew, M. Badenhorst, G. Stokes, H. Warr, P. Dewhirst, M. Davidson. 

On Sunday the U-18s are in Youth Cup Final action at BT Murrayfield against Stirling County. A replay of last years final, Ayr are calling on their supporters to paint the national stadium pink and green. You can book your spot on the supporters bus via the clubhouse. 

U-18s squad: C. Black, C. Easton, T. Lanni, H. Lynch (C), J. Jacobson, J. Rennie, J. Gaw; J. McDougall, S. Clelland, C. Miller, D. Bryce, S. McLarty, M. Wyllie, O. Mossie, K. Borland.

Subs: M. Field, J. Finnie, B. Cree, D. Tucker, J. McIntyre, A. Morrison, R. Maiden. 

Turn Malleny Pink and Black

Ayr will be running a bus to Malleny Park on Saturday 24th of March for the BT Premiership semi-final against Currie Chieftains.

With the boys on the cusp of yet another premiership final we are calling all fans to get on the M8 and turn Malleny pink and black.

The price of a seat on the bus is £10 with the departure time still TBC. 

To book your place before spaces run out or to find out more contact Colin at the bar on 01292 441 944.

Watsonians 17-27 Ayr

Ayr secured third spot in the league on Saturday with a 17-27 away victory over Watsonians. The win means on the 24th Ayr will face Currie Chieftains at Malleny Park in the BT Premiership semi-final.

On the occasion of his 100th appearance, Craig Gossman lead the team onto the pitch at Myreside. In dreary conditions Ayr fired out of the blocks and after a minute got an opportunity for points, but Scott Lyle missed a tricky penalty kick in daunting conditions.

Horizontal rain and swirling winds plagued the contest and done its best to prevent free flowing rugby but that didn't stop Ayr from conjuring up some magic on the 6th minute for the opening try. Scott Lyle nailed a cross-field kick to Grant Anderson out wide, Anderson then played a crafty chip infield which landed in the hands of Frazier Climo. From there it was an easy run in for the score. Lyle's conversion made it 0-7.

The barrage didn't stop there. From a penalty Scott Lyle sent the ball into the corner and Jonny Agnew capitalised in the next phase. After just ten minutes Ayr lead the home side 0-14.

Watsonians weren't going to give up third place without a fight however and four minutes later a weaving run from Michael Allen carved through the defence and over the line. Ali Harris converted to scrape the deficit back to 7.

Ten minutes later Watsonians received a blow picking up two yellows in as many minutes. Lyle took advantage of the later penalty to add three onto the lead. 7-17.

Despite down to 13, the home side tightened their defence and earned a penalty with only a few minutes left in the half. Harris made no mistake making it 10-17 at the interval.

Watsonians started the second half with a full squad once again and managed to strike first. A Sean Crombie try was converted by Harris to tie it all up.

After the score James Armstrong made way for James Pinkerton, marking his 1st XV debut.

All season long Ayr have benefitted from a dominant pack at scrum time and Saturday was no different. After multiple scrum-penalties deep in Watsonians' 22 Ayr broke and charged for the line. Steven Longwell has earned a reputation for being dangerous from close range and lived up to expectation, powering over to regain the lead. Lyle added the extras to make it 17-24.

With an hour played Scott Lyle stretched the lead to more than one possession with a routine penalty kick. With 20 minutes left to play Watsonians now found themselves down ten points and losing grasp of their third spot. They looked in a good position to build an attack with ten to play but Ayr wouldn't budge. George Stokes was paramount in Ayr's defence, popping up everywhere in the defensive line.

With eight minutes left Cameron Reece made his Ayr debut, replacing try scorer Jonny Agnew.

Watsonians last real attack was once again snuffed out. A dangerous driving maul was ground to a halt by Ayr's forwards- winning a scrum and regaining possession.

Full-time: Watsonians 17-27 Ayr.

In a game where both side had to battle the elements as much as each other it was Ayr's steely resolve that showed, snatching third place with conviction.

Gossman Set for Centurion Club

Tomorrow BT Premiership action resumes with Ayr away to Watsonians in the last game of the regular season.

With play-offs secured for the Millbrae Men tomorrow's result dictates whether Ayr finish in third or fourth heading into the semi-finals.

With many players away with Scotland U20s and some on the sidelines Calum Forrester has selected a new-look XV which will aim to rectify the errors of the home defeat to Watsonians last year.

Craig Gossman is starting in his familiar 11 jersey and is set to join Ayr's Centurion Club with Saturday his 100th appearance in the Pink and Black.

With Pete McCallum and Tommy Spinks missing to injury Blair Macpherson and George Hunter switch to back row- with Grant Anderson picking up captaincy. James Armstrong comes inside to 13 after an impressive home debut on the wing last time out. Jamie Bova comes in at 14 for Matt Davidson who is travelling to Ireland with Scotland U20s.

On the bench Cameron Reece and James Pinkerton could be set for their debut's after being called up from the second XV.

1st XV Squad: G. Anderson (C), J. Bova, J. Armstrong, F. Climo, C. Gossman, S. Lyle, D. Armstrong; R. Hislop, L. Anderson, S. Longwell, J. Agnew, R. McAlpine, G. Hunter, G. Stokes, B. Macpherson.

Subs: S. Collier, M. Badenhorst, C. Reece, H. Warr, J. Pinkerton

The game kicks off at 3.30pm and you can follow the action every step of the way on Twitter @OfficialAyrRFC

Millbrae are also in action tomorrow. They face Clydebank away from home at 12.30pm.

Photo: George McMillian

Playoff Place Secured

With the Beast from the East plaguing most of the weekends action Ayr's interest was at the Oriam where Heriots and Currie faced off in Scotland's first indoor senior rugby match.

Despite a fast start from Heriots to take a two-try lead early on Chieftains powered on to secure a 19-47 victory.

The result means that Ayr go into this weeks rescheduled fixture against Watsonians with a play-off place already secured. The 'Millbrae Men' currently sit in fourth, but a victory on Saturday would result in both sides swapping positions and Ayr would enter the playoffs as third seed.

This ultimately decides who Ayr face in the semi-finals. A loss on Saturday means Melrose at the Greenyards whilst a win would mean Currie away.

The game at Myreside is this Saturday with KO time still TBC. If you cant make it to the capital you can follow the action every step of the way on Twitter @OfficialAyrRFC.

Action Postponed

What was shaping up to be a busy weekend for all in pink and black has now drawn to a standstill.

The infamous "Beast from the East" snow clouds which have plagued most of the country for the last couple of days has hindered the weekend's action, with all Ayr games now postponed.

Ayr's 1s and 2s were set for action in the capital with Watsionians but due to the ten-inch blanket over Myreside action has been rearranged to March 10.

Even BT Murrayfield couldn't escape the weather with the U-18s Youth Cup Final on Saturday being postponed. Scottish Rugby will announce the rearranged date in the near future.