Weekender '18 a Roaring Success

After months of intricate planning the 2018 Land O'Burns Weekender has finally passed and once again proved to be a roaring success. Emulating the buzz of it's maiden year twelve months ago, the weekender fused together beach rugby, a beer festival, creative cuisines, family entertainment and world-class live music into an unforgettable two-day event.

Kicking-off early on the Friday (25/05/18) the action got underway at 5pm with the U-13s tournament taking place. It proved to be a showcase of tomorrow's superstars and in the end the home side, Ayr, came out on top.

The minis' tournament was by followed by the trade touch competition which pitted some of Ayrshire's local businesses against each other out on our man-made beach. Competing was: Courtney Plant, Donnini Apartments, Coorie Nook, Marine Fitness and Shady Tour. After some fiercely competitive group stages it was Coorie Nook who prevailed, dusting off Courtney Plant in the final. Donnini Apartments try-bonus gifted them third,completeing the podium.

Music from the talent DJ Stefan Janik pitch side generated an forgettable festival atmosphere whilst 'Just Like Eddie' wowed spectators on the Designer Studios Stage. The action was followed by the Friday's main event at nine with Jonny Lee Memphis as the iconic Elvis Presley.

The festivities continued into the Saturday where our beach rugby tournament ran in tandem with the Land O'Burns Beer Festival from midday-20:00. A real exhibition of some of the countries finest rugby talents, Newton Stewart snatched up the gold in the mens tournament whilst Hillhead Jordanhill made it back-to-back weekender victories. After the beer festival came to a close at eight local band the Marauders took us into the early hours of the night.

From all at Ayr RFC we thank the hard work from volunteers and sponsors a like who made this festival the best one yet. Lastly, thank you to all who came down this weekend, it was a fine example of the local community getting behind a great cause and we are sure there was some fun had along the way- same time next year?

Land O'Burns Weekender Committee

Jim Lymburn, Jim McKay, Louise McKenzie, Brian Williamson, Stewart Kerr, Callum Kerr, Gavin White, George McMillian, Billy McHarg, Stuart Fenwick, Jim Preston, Lisa Main, Andrew Dunlop, Amy McGillivary

Photos: Karen Crawford 

Ayr Youngsters Selected for U20 Championship

Bryan Redpath has announced his first ever Scotland U20s squad ahead of their World Championship starting at the end of this month in France.

Amongst the few that have been selected are four Ayr Players; Euan McLaren, Robbie Smith, Stafford McDowall and Paddy Dewhirst.

Smith, McDowall and Dewhirst were all involved in the recent U20s Six Nations and will look to replicate the heroic performance that saw them fell England when they arrive on the world stage in a few weeks.

Smith and McDowall both lead from the front in the Six Nations, with them being named captain and vice, respectively.

Prop McLaren missed out on a chance at the Six Nations due to injury but has been called straight back into the squad now fit.

We would all like to congratulate the four youngsters in an incredible achievement, and know they will do both Ayr RFC and their country proud.

Ayr Announced as Super Six Team

Scottish Rugby have announced that Ayr RFC have been successful in their bid for a Super Six spot.

Joining Ayr in the super six league will be Boroughmuir, Heriots, Melrose, Stirling and Watsonians. The sides who failed in their bid were Currie Chieftains, Dundee, Edinburgh Academicals, Gala, Hawick and Glasgow Hawks.

The change in league structure is set to come in for the 2019/20 season.

Speaking exclusively to ayrrugbyclub.co.uk President Billy McHarg expressed his delight in the announcement with: "I am grateful that all the hard work done on and off the pitch at Ayr RFC has been rewarded with a 'Super Six' franchise.

"The future of the club at the top end of Scottish Rugby has been secured for the next five years".




Callum Kerr
Media Manager