Captain Lafferty ready to right wrongs of yesteryear

In recent times it has been a case of always the bridesmaid, never the bride, for Ayr/Wellington U18s in the Cup - A dead cert for the final at Murrayfield but still chasing that illusive title.

 

In days gone by they've been the outsiders. Last year they played second fiddle to Boroughmuir and came agonisingly close to an upset. In other years it has been the powerhouse of Stirling County that have kept them an arms-length from victory.

This year is different. An emphatic league campaign finished without them dropping a game, securing the Mitsubishi U18s Conference with ease and giving talismanic captain Michael Lafferty plenty to cheer about: "I never expected us to go the season undefeated, we had a good pre-season and knew we could put in big performances but have out-done our expectations... It makes us want to push on even harder".

The team undoubtedly have their eyes on making 2020 the year they come of age, but they'll have to go about it the hard way having drawn Stirling County away in the quarter-finals this Saturday: "I've been up there four, five years in a row and never won at Bridgehaugh...

 

"It is a massive challenge and we are treating it as we would a cup final".

 

Last year's final heartache came courtesy of an injury-time penalty for Boroughmuir at BT Murrayfield, chalking off a narrow Ayr lead they secured minutes earlier via a Sam Kerr try. Michael was one of the players on the pitch at the time who felt the trophy cruelly slip out of grasp.

 

He insists the memory has lived in the back of his mind all season and will spur on his men this Saturday: "There are a few of us still in the squad who played in last year's final. We are not going to let that happen again, we are here to win it all".

 

As he leads his men into the final phase of his youth rugby career, Michael reflected in what has been 'his favourite year of rugby to date': "The way these boys have came together as a team, I've never seen anything like it... We are a brotherhood.

"To captain these boys is just brilliant".

 

The quarter-final action gets underway at 14.00 at Bridgehaugh and all at Ayr Rugby wish them the very best of luck.

 


Two games to go before the festivities begin

It may be only five days until the big one, but tomorrow Ayr have two senior sides in action, both hoping to sign off 2019 with victories.

 

The Club XV travel to Mayfield in their National 1 league campaign against Dundee High, whilst the Bulls host Watsonians at Millbrae.

Going by the original schedule the Bulls would have already been enjoying the festivities, but a frozen pitch a few weeks ago pushed back this top-of-the-table clash against Watsonians Rugby. The Edinburgh-based side are undefeated so far in FOSROC Super6 action, and will be looking for similar fortunes tomorrow at Millbrae.

 

The two sides butted heads back in November in a pre-season friendly at Myreside. Despite the Bulls inching victory, neither side will take much from that run-out.

 

Peter Murchie has named a balanced back-line, with the only change Craig Gossman in for Tom Lewis. In the pack a re-vamped front-row sees Lewis Anderson and Ruairidh Sayce both earn their first starts as Bulls at two and three respectively. In the back-row skipper Peter McCallum returns to replace George Bordill, who misses out through illness. Gavin Wilson starts over Graham Geldenhuys to also bag a first start.

 

Sam Kitchen is named on the bench alongside Nico Griffiths. Frazier Climo is rested, with Tyler Beary coming in. Glasgow Warriors and Scotland wing Lee Jones is released through the pro-draft to complete the replacements.

 

The game kicks-off at 15.00 at Millbrae and you can follow the action live on Twitter @AyrshireBulls.

The Club XV will look to bounce back from last weekend's defeat with a victory over Dundee, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the Tennent's National 1 league.

 

Stuart Fenwick welcome's a host of new faces. Adam McGowan is in line for his debut at nine, becoming the third current U18s star to feature for the Club XV's this season. Two more debutants, Lewis Clarke and Andy Houston, are named on the bench.

 

The action kicks off at 14.00 and you can follow the action on Twitter @OfficialAyrRFC.


Youthful Exuberance Key in Ladies Win

Ayr Ladies managed to salvage their place in Scottish Rugby’s topflight on Sunday with an emphatic 12-41 victory over Heriots Blues.

 

It has been a slog of a season for the Ladies, who finished bottom of the Premiership, but a win over the National 1 Champions came in their finest hour to show they are still alive and kicking.

(Photo: Academy duo Cieron Bell and Hazel McMillan playing alongside their Academy coach, Girls Development Officer Connie Griffiths. SRU//SNS)

 

Potentially the most pleasing thing for Andy Duncan's women would have been the influence of new faces, with a barrage of academy graduates seamlessly integrating to senior rugby.

 

The trio of Hazel McMillan, Cieron Bell and Holly McIntyre all started on Sunday, with the later making her debut and marking it with a score and Man of the Match performance. Bell chipped in with a scintillating brace and McMillan provided carrying go-forward for the full eighty.

 

All just 17 years old, head coach Andy Duncan believes it is a sign of things to come: "They were standout, especially in key positions. You had Holly on her debut controlling the game really well, Cieron getting two from fullback and Hazel, who is just an absolute workhorse".

It was a slow start for the ladies, conceding a soft score twenty minutes in to trail. Potentially a blessing in disguise, it provided the much needed wake-up call to kick on and not look back.

 

They opened their account through Connie Griffiths, who will take much of the credit for the Academy trio's performance, having coached them over the past few years. The centre capitalised on front-foot ball to pierce through the line and over unscathed.

 

Skipper Catherine Shennan was next, diving clear on the stroke of half-time to take a lead into the interval.

 

Half-time: Ayr Ladies 10-5 Heriots Blues.

 

With second halves often their undoing this season, a strong travelling support at the Oriam were anxious with play back underway, but this was Ayr's day to come of age.

 

Gemma McIvor was up next, finishing strong through contact to extend the lead.

Cieron Bell, who has built up a menacing strike-rate in a Scotland Jersey at U18s, showcased her threat with a 60-metre run in. The full-back pranced through the line and won the footrace against her opposite number to score under the posts. Shennan duly converted.

 

Bell wasn't done yet, and dotted down eight minutes later for her brace. McIntyre punctured the line from the back of a ruck before freeing up Bell with a crafty offload to finish. Shennan made it 5-29 from the tee.

 

McIntyre turned from creator to scorer, tearing through the middle of the field with ten left to play and darting clear.

 

It was merely poetic justice when Shennan concluded the charge. It has been a rough season for the captain, but her commitment to the cause hasn't wavered. When McIvor was brought down just short of the line it seemed only fair it was her supporting on the shoulder to sign off the season on a high.

 

To their credit, Heriots mustered up one last attack to conclude what has been a fantastic league campaign for them. After multiple infringements close to the line the AR signalled for a penalty try.

 

FULL-TIME: Ayr Ladies 41-12 Heriots Blues Ladies.


Teams Announced for Farmers Day

It is double header day at Millbrae tomorrow with both the Bulls and Ayr in action.

 

The Ayrshire Bulls welcome Stirling in a repeat of Sunday's fixture, kicking off at 14.00, and the Club XV welcome Biggar at 16.00.

 

We have live music in the clubhouse from 17.30 so come early and stay late.

 

Here are how your teams will line up:


Weekend Review

The Ayrshire Bulls managed to scrape victory over Stirling County at Bridgehaugh on Sunday, battling the elements as much the opposition.

 

The rain did its' best to deter any attacking rugby, but the Bulls managed to muster a solo try and penalty to secure a 0-8 victory.

Speaking afterwards, Peter Murchie was happy with how his men managed the conditions: "We learnt a lot. We learnt that guys are willing to dig in for each other.

 

"We have got guts".

 

A Ross Thompson penalty was the only difference for majority of the match, before Nico Griffiths sealed the win with a score five minutes from the final whistle. Even then the score came in benny hill fashion, with neither side mustering a convincing threat for the full eighty.

 

The ball spewed out the back of a ruck on County's try-line for Griffiths to legally dive over and get a palm on the ball. There was a brief period of confusion before the ref confirmed the score with his assistants.

 

Ross Thompson was named FOSROC Man of the Match, after weathering (quite literally) the storm better than his Stirling counterparts.

 

The sides don’t get much of a break from each other, with the two going at it again this Saturday. Ayr are the hosts this time, welcoming Stirling to Millbrae at 14.00.

 

It was similar fortunes for the Club XV the day prior, securing victory over Boroughmuir at Millbrae. A 26-12 win got Stuart Fenwick's men back on track after a disappointing month of November.

 

At the final whistle, Stuart said: "This feels much better. The spirit amongst the boys has been good as well, it is a big weight off their shoulders getting that win.

 

"It would have been really easy to batten down the hatches in those conditions, but we stuck to our game plan and continued to play rugby".

 

Matt Donaldson was named Slaters Menswear Man of the Match.

 

They will look to build momentum into this Saturday’s fixture against league leaders Biggar. They play after the Bulls on the 1st XV pitch at 16.00.

 

The Ladies team lost on Sunday to Cartha in the Tennent's Premiership Play-offs. Despite a close first half, with Cartha leading 7-0 at the break, the hosts broke away to secure a 33-0 win and league safety.

 

 

The Ladies will now face Heriots this weekend in a relegation shootout. A neutral venue is still to be decided.


Action-Packed Weekend!

After the big freeze last weekend all four senior sides are back in action over the next two days.

 

It is a double header at Millbrae tomorrow with the Club XV and Ayr/Millbrae both in action. The Club XV will look to get their season back on track when they welcome Boroughmuir. A settled pack has been named, with a re-jig in the backs.

 

U18s star Dylan Wilson has been cleared for adult rugby and makes his debut at 13. Sam Gray comes onto the bench and will also make his debut if used.

 

Ayr/Millbrae host Glasgow Accies.

 

On Sunday the Bulls travel to their nearest opposition, Stirling County.

 

The ladies are also in action, and face Cartha Queens Park in the Tennent's Women's Play-offs. Action gets underway at Dumbrek from 16.00. The team is yet to be announced.

 

This week's team news is brought to you by Lynch Homes.


Team News

It is another busy weekend for the Millbrae sides, with all four senior sides in action.

 

Tomorrow the Ayrshire Bulls host Watsonians Rugby at Millbrae, the Club XV head to Myreside and Ayr/Millbrae travel to Hamilton.

 

On Sunday the Ladies face Cartha Queens Park in the Tennent's Women's Premiership Play-offs.

 

Here are how your teams will line-up:


Reid pens partnership contract with Warriors

The Ayrshire Bulls and Glasgow Warriors have agreed a partnership deal over prop Gordon Reid, which will see the Scotland International train full-time at Scotstoun.

Photo - Craig Watson.

 

Reid will remain an Ayrshire Bulls player, but will train with Dave Rennie’s squad and provide cover at loosehead prop for the remainder of the Guinness PRO14 and Heineken Champions Cup campaigns.

 

 

 

Speaking to glasgowwarriors.org, Reid said: "I'm excited to be back at Scotstoun.

 

 

 

 

"I'll still be playing with the Ayrshire Bulls, but will also be available for the Warriors, so it is a win-win situation".

 

 

 

Reid starts in the number one jersey tomorrow at Millbrae, when the Bulls welcome top-of-the-table Watsonians Rugby.

 

 

 

Secure your tickets below.


Ayr Rugby Announce Partnership with Trump Turnberry

Ayr Rugby and Trump Turnberry, A Luxury Collection resort has today, Friday 29 November, announced a partnership for the 2019/2020 season, which sees them come onboard as a key sponsor.

The partnership will allow Turnberry to work alongside the Ayrshire club in their quest to position the game of rugby to all, whilst contributing towards education, wellbeing, employment and inclusiveness across the Ayrshire community.

 

Passionate about opening up the sport to all, the hotel has focused its sponsorship on the Ayr Ladies and Junior teams. Ayr Ladies; which was formed in 2012 and have risen quickly to compete in the top tier of Scottish women’s rugby, will proudly display the Turnberry logo on their shirts as part of the partnership. Another keystone for the hotel is getting youngsters into sport and developing their skills. This is seen in the various junior golf camps that the hotel runs throughout the year and the golf skills development that the PGA Professionals attend at local schools. The partnership with Ayr Rugby will see Turnberry named as the sponsor for the Ayr Rugby Mini Tournament.

 

Ayr Rugby has recently announced the launch of the new semi-professional Super6 side, the Ayrshire Bulls. This positive development in the club teams also brings about the signing of Scotland internationalist, Gordon Reid to the Ayrshire Bulls. Hailing from Ayrshire, he re-joins Ayr Rugby; playing in the new Super6 team, after nine years of playing for Glasgow Warriors and London Irish.  ‘Gordy’ has recently returned from Japan after competing in the Scotland team at the Rugby World Cup.

A mainstay of Scottish hospitality and golf for over 100 years, Turnberry is well known for its luxurious bedrooms, outstanding dining options, championship golf courses and recently renovated spa and fitness facilities. The iconic resort was recently recognised by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Top 30 Resorts in Europe.

Ralph Porciani, General Manager at Trump Turnberry, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ayr Rugby this season. This felt like a natural partnership as both the rugby club and the resort have a long history in Scottish sport. We recognise that sport should be for everyone, which is why we are focusing our sponsorship on the junior and ladies teams. We wish the club the greatest of success for the future.”

Jim McKay, Ayr RFC President, said: “It is great to have Turnberry on board as a prestigious, Internationally renowned brand and an Ayrshire hotel with close ties to the community. As a club, we have grown our ladies and junior sides and recently launched the Ayrshire Bulls. The partnership with Turnberry will further enhance the clubs position in the heart and centre of the community.”

 

For more information on Turnberry, visit http://www.trumphotels.com/Turnberry

For more information on Ayr Rugby Club, visit https://www.ayrrugbyclub.co.uk/


The Bulls charge to five points at the Greenyards

The Ayrshire Bulls bagged their second win on the bounce with an emphatic 10-29 victory over Southern Knights at the Greenyards.

 

 

It was a slow starter, with the teams locked horns at 3-3 after 35 minutes before two scores in quick succession sent the Bulls on their way.

On the full-time whistle Head Coach Peter Murchie was elated with his sides performance: “I’m really happy to come down to the Southern Knights and get five points.

 

“The Knights gave away a lot of penalties in the first half and that gave us field position. We were frustrated we weren’t taking opportunities… we then managed to get one, then a yellow card (to the knights), then we executed a good backline play so went in with a fairly healthy lead”.

 

Scotland U20s star Ross Thompson, who was selected over club stalwart Frazier Climo to start, was named FOSROC Man of the Match after a 14-point haul. Peter Murchie was delighted with his performance: “We need to give guys opportunities. We have a 35-man squad… He has done well off the bench in the first two games and we gave him an opportunity tonight.

 

“He did well, managed the game well in the first half and scored a good try”.

 

The 3-3 stalemate was broken on the 37th minute by Sam Kitchen, who barrelled over from the back of a rolling maul. Thompson converted before adding a score of his own a minute later.

 

The fly-half palmed off his opposite number to spring through the line and finish masterfully. He added the extras for good measure, too.

 

Half-time: Southern Knights 3-17 Ayrshire Bulls.

 

The hosts struck first after the break with Russell Anderson dotting down in similar style to Kitchen’s earlier effort. Jason Baggot slotted the conversion to make it 10-17.

 

The Bulls’ hooker wasn’t done yet and stretched the lead on the 55th minute. Once again latching onto the back of the maul, this time kitchen broke off on a slowly run. He dived clear in the corner, unphased by his trademark red scrum-cap being ripped off on the charge.

 

The final try for Ayr came courtesy of Glasgow Warrior Stafford McDowall, who charged down a kick in the 22, gathered and ran home. Thompson poetically ended the scoring with the conversion.

 

Full-Time: Southern Knights 10-29 Ayrshire Bulls.

 

 

It was different fortunes for the Club XV, who struggled to get going against Heriots Blues, losing 38-0.