Ayr-Wellington U16s did themselves and the club proud on a cold Friday night at BT Murrayfield as they battled to the end in their National Youth League Cup final against Hawick Albion.
Both sides were ambitious with ball in hand, Ayr full-back Jake Jacobson, wingers Chris Easton and Jonathan Easton and centre Chris Bain hitting every ball at pace. But Hawick were just as lively, centre and captain Andrew Mitchell making a terrific break early on.
There were plenty of kicks, hacks and chips as each team searched for a way through two tough sets of defenders. They were matching each other at the set piece too, but Ayr just had the upper hand in the loose, scrum-half Craig Doolan and flanker and captain Olly Mossie pushing their troops on into Hawick's twenty-two.
Mossie and second rows Euan Bulloch and Dylan Wilson led from a line-out and after a solid drive, it was hooker Scott Clelland who powered his way over for the opening score. It was a tricky angle for the conversion out on the touchline and Jacobson couldn't make it. 5-0.
Hawick were threatening in attack but a crunching tackle by Ayr flanker Harry Ledgerwood dislodged the ball and the Millbrae team were soon away, Clelland on the charge again. Centre Tom Lanni took it on with Bain and Chris Easton in support but the ball bobbled out of play.
Hawick got their first points on the board thanks to a penalty by their full-back Bailey Donaldson. 5-3.
The Borderers could scent more points, and winger Finnan Gordon Woolley would have been away were it not for a excellent covering tackle by Chris Easton.
Ayr turned the screw at the scrum, the front row of Clelland, Ben Cree and Conlan McLuckie working hard. They managed to push Hawick off the ball, and even when the Mansfield side held firm, Doolan, number eight Stephen McLarty and stand-off Andy Morrison were ready to pounce on anything that wasn't closely guarded.
The Easton brothers got the second half off to a flier, Chris catching a high ball whilst running backwards, turning and shooting off through the defence on one wing, while Jonathan showed tremendous pace to race away along the other.
But Hawick had a sense of purpose at the resumption and despite the defensive efforts of Wilson and his fellow forwards, there was no stopping centre Mully Bannerman from scoring from a charge-down. Donaldson added the conversion. 5-10.
Clelland, Jacobson, both Eastons and replacement back Jason McGuinness continued to stretch their legs but the Hawick defence had gone up a notch.
Donaldson hit another well-struck penalty. 5-13.
The clock was ticking towards full-time, but Ayr-Wellington got stuck into some hard work in both defence and attack, Clelland, McGuinness and Mossie all fending off tacklers to get their team back into Hawick's half.
They stayed strong in the scrum until McLuckie spotted a gap and bulldozed over the line for an unconverted try. 10-13.
There was one final play of the game, but Hawick were awarded a penalty and happily booted the ball off the park to claim the trophy, much to the delight of their enthusiastic travelling support.
Final score: Ayr-Wellington U16s 10 Hawick Albion 13.
- Elena Hogarth.
Sunday, 12 February 2017
Saturday, 11 February 2017
Glasgow Hawks 7 Ayr 36
Ayr scored six tries on a cold day at Old Anniesland to put west coast rivals Glasgow Hawks to the sword and climb to the top of the BT Premiership table with one round of regular fixtures to go.
The home side showed their attacking intent from the off, wingers Kerr Gossman and Junior Bulumakau - both former Millbrae men - zooming about here, there and everywhere. But they had to contend with the tackling of Ayr stand-off Frazier Climo and flanker Will Bordill.
Ayr scrum-half David Armstrong was his usual lively self, leaping into the air to keep a Hawks kick for the corner in play. Winger Danny McCluskey couldn't take the ball on, and soon Gossman was dodging his way through tacklers again, with hooker Cammy Fenton in support until he was brought to a halt by Ayr prop Steven Longwell.
Climo was leading the way in defence, with captain Pete McCallum, centre Ross Curle and second row Robert McAlpine getting stuck in. Hawks spilled the ball and McCluskey sprang into action, kicking on and chasing and then repeating until it found the hands of Ayr winger Craig Gossman, who released centre Archie Russell on the wing to score. Climo missed the conversion. 0-5.
The visitors had their hands full trying to contain Hawks' trundling full-back Jack Steele, but Russell, Macpherson and prop George Hunter managed to stop him before he could do any damage.
From an Ayr scrum, McCallum launched Armstrong on an attack, the scrum-half selling a dummy to shoot through a gap in the defence. He and McCluskey exchanged passes before Armstrong found himself charging into Hawks' twenty-two. He was dragged down, but wriggled around, legs in the air, so as not to be pulled into touch.
Ayr hooker David Young and Macpherson worked well together at the line-out, before Longwell and Climo pushed on for Hawks' line. A couple of set pieces later and it was Armstrong who took the ball from the scrum and scampered between the posts for a try, which Climo converted. 0-12.
Steele and Kerr Gossman were trying to get something going for Hawks but they kept losing possession, and before anyone knew it, Curle had shot off up the wing. Hunter, Longwell, McAlpine and full-back Grant Anderson got Ayr into a good position but they were pinged for holding on.
Curle found himself on the sidelines for ten minutes, but Hawks couldn't make the man-advantage work in their favour.
The home team began the second half with gusto, flanker Stephen Leckey and stand-off Hagen Schulte on the charge but Ayr were harrying them constantly, Climo, Armstrong, McCluskey and Macpherson there to spoil their plans at every turn.
It had been an even-tempered match so far but things boiled over and the referee laid down the law to both captains. Another sin-binning was on its way but not as a result of this incident. It was a high tackle by Kerr Gossman on his brother Craig (they made up at full-time) that had the referee reaching for the yellow card.
Ayr took advantage of the Hawks' hot-stepper's absence to get their third try, no-one being able to catch Curle. Climo added the extras. 0-19.
Gossman the elder was no worse for the earlier high tackle, darting about this way and that, and even crossing the try-line only for the referee to call him back.
Hawks knuckled down to some patient phases of attack and Hunter, Armstrong, Gregor Henry (on for Bordill) and Lewis Anderson (on for Young) were very busy in defence, as were McCallum, Macpherson and second row Scott Sutherland.
It was a huge tackle from Craig Gossman that dislodged the ball from Hawks hands, Armstrong and replacement prop Adam Prentice taking it on. Possession changed twice in very quick succession until Climo hacked on, retrieved and fired the ball across the pitch to McCallum. He found Gossman but the winger just couldn't get to the line, handing back to his captain who dotted down for the bonus-point try. The conversion angle was too wide for Climo. 0-24.
Hawks kept their heads up, and Ayr giving away two penalties for offside in quick succession gave them a boost. Steele would have been away were it not for a hefty tackle from Russell, and McAlpine also put in some tough work to stop Fenton.
It had to be Kerr Gossman who scored for the home team, his electric pace and mazy running taking him over in the corner, Schulte adding a superb conversion from the touchline. 7-24.
The last ten minutes went in a flash, Ayr getting back into Hawks' half and staying there. McCallum and Russell combined to pop the ball to replacement Jamie Bova and he put his foot on the gas to grab try number five, with Climo getting the extra two points. 7-31.
Steele was once again Hawks' battering-ram-in-chief but he couldn't get very far with Armstrong clinging on to his ankles. Sutherland and Lewis Anderson tackled with precision and soon Ayr turned the ball over.
Armstrong spotted a big gap and put in a cross-field kick that looked like it would bounce straight into Hawks' hands. But it didn't. It sprang into the waiting arms of McCluskey and he cruised over the line for the final try. Climo's conversion attempt hit the post. 7-36.
There is now only one regular league fixture left for Ayr - Watsonians at home next week - but Melrose, who Ayr leap-frogged into top spot, have a game in hand and are just one point behind as the play-offs loom.
Final score: Glasgow Hawks 7 Ayr 36.
Man of the match: Craig Gossman.
- Elena Hogarth.
The home side showed their attacking intent from the off, wingers Kerr Gossman and Junior Bulumakau - both former Millbrae men - zooming about here, there and everywhere. But they had to contend with the tackling of Ayr stand-off Frazier Climo and flanker Will Bordill.
Ayr scrum-half David Armstrong was his usual lively self, leaping into the air to keep a Hawks kick for the corner in play. Winger Danny McCluskey couldn't take the ball on, and soon Gossman was dodging his way through tacklers again, with hooker Cammy Fenton in support until he was brought to a halt by Ayr prop Steven Longwell.
Climo was leading the way in defence, with captain Pete McCallum, centre Ross Curle and second row Robert McAlpine getting stuck in. Hawks spilled the ball and McCluskey sprang into action, kicking on and chasing and then repeating until it found the hands of Ayr winger Craig Gossman, who released centre Archie Russell on the wing to score. Climo missed the conversion. 0-5.
The visitors had their hands full trying to contain Hawks' trundling full-back Jack Steele, but Russell, Macpherson and prop George Hunter managed to stop him before he could do any damage.
From an Ayr scrum, McCallum launched Armstrong on an attack, the scrum-half selling a dummy to shoot through a gap in the defence. He and McCluskey exchanged passes before Armstrong found himself charging into Hawks' twenty-two. He was dragged down, but wriggled around, legs in the air, so as not to be pulled into touch.
Ayr hooker David Young and Macpherson worked well together at the line-out, before Longwell and Climo pushed on for Hawks' line. A couple of set pieces later and it was Armstrong who took the ball from the scrum and scampered between the posts for a try, which Climo converted. 0-12.
Steele and Kerr Gossman were trying to get something going for Hawks but they kept losing possession, and before anyone knew it, Curle had shot off up the wing. Hunter, Longwell, McAlpine and full-back Grant Anderson got Ayr into a good position but they were pinged for holding on.
Curle found himself on the sidelines for ten minutes, but Hawks couldn't make the man-advantage work in their favour.
The home team began the second half with gusto, flanker Stephen Leckey and stand-off Hagen Schulte on the charge but Ayr were harrying them constantly, Climo, Armstrong, McCluskey and Macpherson there to spoil their plans at every turn.
It had been an even-tempered match so far but things boiled over and the referee laid down the law to both captains. Another sin-binning was on its way but not as a result of this incident. It was a high tackle by Kerr Gossman on his brother Craig (they made up at full-time) that had the referee reaching for the yellow card.
Ayr took advantage of the Hawks' hot-stepper's absence to get their third try, no-one being able to catch Curle. Climo added the extras. 0-19.
Gossman the elder was no worse for the earlier high tackle, darting about this way and that, and even crossing the try-line only for the referee to call him back.
Hawks knuckled down to some patient phases of attack and Hunter, Armstrong, Gregor Henry (on for Bordill) and Lewis Anderson (on for Young) were very busy in defence, as were McCallum, Macpherson and second row Scott Sutherland.
It was a huge tackle from Craig Gossman that dislodged the ball from Hawks hands, Armstrong and replacement prop Adam Prentice taking it on. Possession changed twice in very quick succession until Climo hacked on, retrieved and fired the ball across the pitch to McCallum. He found Gossman but the winger just couldn't get to the line, handing back to his captain who dotted down for the bonus-point try. The conversion angle was too wide for Climo. 0-24.
Hawks kept their heads up, and Ayr giving away two penalties for offside in quick succession gave them a boost. Steele would have been away were it not for a hefty tackle from Russell, and McAlpine also put in some tough work to stop Fenton.
It had to be Kerr Gossman who scored for the home team, his electric pace and mazy running taking him over in the corner, Schulte adding a superb conversion from the touchline. 7-24.
The last ten minutes went in a flash, Ayr getting back into Hawks' half and staying there. McCallum and Russell combined to pop the ball to replacement Jamie Bova and he put his foot on the gas to grab try number five, with Climo getting the extra two points. 7-31.
Steele was once again Hawks' battering-ram-in-chief but he couldn't get very far with Armstrong clinging on to his ankles. Sutherland and Lewis Anderson tackled with precision and soon Ayr turned the ball over.
Armstrong spotted a big gap and put in a cross-field kick that looked like it would bounce straight into Hawks' hands. But it didn't. It sprang into the waiting arms of McCluskey and he cruised over the line for the final try. Climo's conversion attempt hit the post. 7-36.
There is now only one regular league fixture left for Ayr - Watsonians at home next week - but Melrose, who Ayr leap-frogged into top spot, have a game in hand and are just one point behind as the play-offs loom.
Final score: Glasgow Hawks 7 Ayr 36.
Man of the match: Craig Gossman.
- Elena Hogarth.
Friday, 10 February 2017
Glasgow Hawks v Ayr preview
The home team have been chasing the visitors up through the table for much of the season, and with just a handful of points between the two, tomorrow's game will be an important one for both in terms of securing home semi-final play-offs.
Ayr head coach Calum Forrester is looking forward to the trip to the west end of Glasgow.
"It's set to be an exciting weekend in the BT Premiership, with the result of every game having a meaningful outcome on league positions. Hawks are the highest points scorers this season, so our defence will need to be at its best."
Several experienced players, such as David Armstrong, Craig Gossman and Will Bordill, return to the starting line-up. Glasgow Warriors have released former Millbrae man James Malcolm for the day and he forms a formidable front row alongside George Hunter and Steven Longwell.
Ayr
15. Grant Anderson; 14. Danny McCluskey, 13. Archie Russell, 12. Ross Curle, 11. Craig Gossman; 10. Frazier Climo, 9. David Armstrong; 1. George Hunter, 2. James Malcolm, 3. Steven Longwell; 4. Robert McAlpine, 5. Scott Sutherland; 6. Blair Macpherson, 7. Will Bordill, 8. Pete McCallum (c).
Replacements
16. Lewis Anderson, 17. Adam Prentice, 18. Gregor Henry, 19. Paddy Dewhirst, 20. Jamie Bova.
Kick-off 3pm! Follow the scores live on Twitter.
Glasgow Hawks 2nd XV v Ayr 2nd XV kicks off at 2pm, with the scores updated via the Ultimate Rugby app.
National Youth League Cup finals preview
The U16s will run out on to the international pitch under the floodlights to face Hawick Albion at 5.45pm. As defending champions and on the back of a terrific 17-0 win against Boroughmuir in the semi-finals, they will be feeling confident, but getting past the youngsters from the Borders will be a tough task.
It's been another terrific season for all the young teams playing in the pink and dark green of Ayr-Wellington, and everyone at Millbrae is very much appreciative of the hard work put in by the players, coaches, volunteers and parents. We wish the U16s and U18s the best of luck this evening.
Ayr-Wellington U16s
15. Jake Jacobson; 14.Chris Easton, 13. Chris Bain, 12. Tom Lanni, 11. Jonathan Easton; 10. Andy Morrison, 9. Craig Doolan; 1. Conlan McLuckie, 2. Scott Clelland, 3. Ben Cree; 4. Euan Bulloch, 5. Dylan Wilson; 6. Harry Ledgerwood, 7. Olly Mossie (c), 8. Stephen McLarty.
Replacements
16. Matthew, Field, 17. Conrad Lynch, 18. Mark Brennan, 19. Max Glenn, 20. Jason McGuinness, 21. Keelan McCartney, 22. Ross Watson.
Ayr-Wellington U18s
15. Ross Baird; 14. Rory McMurray, 13. Jack Gaw, 12. Harry Lynch, 11. Mac MacInnes; 10. Ross McCorkindale, 9. Cameron Black; 1. Logan Richardson, 2. Seth Rae, 3. Craig Miller; 4. Euan Hamilton, 5. Declan Bryce; 6. Mitchell Wyllie, 7. Calum Gaw, 8. Cameron Reece (c).
Replacements
16. Stuart Collier, 17. Jack Yuille, 18. Calvin Stillie, 19. Jack Burns, 20. Kerr Borland, 21. Jack Rennie, 22. Craig Hunter.
Friday, 3 February 2017
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.
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.
Thursday, 2 February 2017
P7 fundraising quiz and curry night
Ayr-Wellington P7s are fundraising for their April 2017 tour to Dublin, and their first event is a quiz and curry night at Millbrae on Friday 10th February, 7.30pm.
Tickets are £10 each and are available from the P7 coaches and parents.
Teams of between four and six are welcome.
All proceeds go towards the tour. Details of further fundraising events will be announced shortly.
Tickets are £10 each and are available from the P7 coaches and parents.
Teams of between four and six are welcome.
All proceeds go towards the tour. Details of further fundraising events will be announced shortly.
Wednesday, 1 February 2017
Buses to BT Murrayfield for youth finals
Ayr-Wellington U16s and U18s are once again heading to BT Murrayfield to compete in the National Youth League Cup finals on Friday 10th February.
The U16s take on Hawick at 5.45pm and the U18s kick off at 7.30pm against Stirling County.
We'll be putting on buses to Murrayfield for supporters, with a scheduled pick-up/drop-off point at the athletics ground at Queens Drive, Kilmarnock.
Buses will leave at 3pm (from the car park of the Burns Murseum) and places are £10 for adults and £5 for children under 16. Children must be accompanied by an adult. They will set off from BT Murrayfield on the return trip to Millbrae at 9.30pm.
We ask that you do not leave your car at the museum as it closes at 5pm and you will not be able to retrieve your car until Saturday morning.
Please email elenahogarth@ayrrugbyclub.co.uk or call Elena on 07788 824835 to book your place as soon as possible.
For those driving to BT Murrayfield, parking is available at the Saughtonhall car park, accessed by Riversdale Bridge.
The U16s take on Hawick at 5.45pm and the U18s kick off at 7.30pm against Stirling County.
We'll be putting on buses to Murrayfield for supporters, with a scheduled pick-up/drop-off point at the athletics ground at Queens Drive, Kilmarnock.
Buses will leave at 3pm (from the car park of the Burns Murseum) and places are £10 for adults and £5 for children under 16. Children must be accompanied by an adult. They will set off from BT Murrayfield on the return trip to Millbrae at 9.30pm.
We ask that you do not leave your car at the museum as it closes at 5pm and you will not be able to retrieve your car until Saturday morning.
Please email elenahogarth@ayrrugbyclub.co.uk or call Elena on 07788 824835 to book your place as soon as possible.
For those driving to BT Murrayfield, parking is available at the Saughtonhall car park, accessed by Riversdale Bridge.
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