Murchie adds Trio to Bulls Ranks
Ayr RFC stars Blair Macpherson and Harry Warr become the latest players to join the Bulls alongside Kiwi Tyler Beary, who joins from Otago University RFC.
28-year old Macpherson enjoyed a decade at Ayr broken up by a sabbatical year at Hillhead Jordanhill in 2013. He secured two Scottish League titles and Two Scottish Cup’s during his tenure. The bulldozing back-row has also been a main-stay in the Scotland Club XV squad over the past few seasons. A devastating carrier of the ball and an integral cog at the line-out, Macpherson will look to bring his aggressive attacking play to the Bulls.
Head Coach Peter Murchie described his style of play with: “He is an experienced player who was excellent last year for Ayr. He is a really powerful carrier and hits hard in the tackle.
“He also has good leadership qualities”.
Scrum-half Harry Warr has been involved at Ayr for three seasons and enjoyed a fine run with the 1stXV last season, culminating in him being named Breakthrough Player of the Year. During his time at Ayr the former Dollar Academy captain bagged two Premiership titles and one Scottish Cup. Warr has also enjoyed success with Glasgow University Rugby and represented Scotland Universities for the past two seasons.
Peter Murchie was delighted with what he got from the scrum-half last season: “He seemed to get better with every game he played. He is a competitor and reads the game well, defensively he is strong and also possesses good leadership qualities”.
23-year old Tyler Beary joins from New Zealand and plays in the midfield. The Otago man has been training with the Bulls for a few weeks now and Murchie is pleased with what he has seen so far: “Tyler is a strong running centre who has a good skill set and physical presence in defence. He will fit in well with our centres and he is very coachable.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Tyler develop with the Bulls this season”.
Confirmed players so far (In order of announcement):
Gordon Reid, 32, Prop
Frazier Climo, 32, Fly-Half
Ruairidh Sayce, 21, Prop
Ollie Smith, 19, Outside-Back (Stage 3 Player)
Lewis Anderson, 23, Hooker
Isaac McNulty, 22, Centre
George Bordill, 21, Back Row
Lars Morrice, 24, Second Row
Euan McLaren, 20, Prop (Stage 3 Player)
Marshall Sykes, 20, Second Row (Stage 3 Player)
Peter McCallum, 27, Number Eight
Graham Geldenhuys, 24, Back Row
Blair Macpherson, 28, Back-Row
Harry Warr, 21, Scrum Half
Tyler Beary, 23, Centre
Ayr Ladies secure Vital League Win
It has been a poor start to life in the Women's Tennent's Premiership for Ayr Ladies, but you would have been hard-pressed to find someone sulking at final whistle today.An emphatic 43-17 win over Cartha Ladies was the perfect remedy for any doubt, with Ayr leapfrogging their opposition at the bottom of the table and keeping hopes alive.
Jo Jones opened proceedings with an impressive try even for her lofty standards. The number eight flirted with a conventional forward carry before executing a chip 'n' chase deep in her own half. She managed to get to the fleeing ball quickest and hacked on to dive over the line.
A 16-minute hat-trick for Robyn Gibson followed taking the game away from the visitors. All three scores came in a similar vein for the speedster, working off her midfield partner Connie Griffiths to torch past the defence out wide.
Half-time: Ayr Ladies 24-0 Cartha Ladies.
In previous fixtures this season the half-time break has acted as a hindrance as a pose to a help, but today Ayr changed the script, with Jo Jones bagging her brace from the restart.
A Cartha double in quick succession subdued the Ayr crowd before Chloe Johnston powered over to mark her debut with a score.
Vice-captain Erin McSorley was next to cross, snapping up an easy run-in courtesy of skipper Catherine Shennan, who duly converted.
The final score in the game came from Cartha, who reaped the reward of some late-game pressure.
Full-time: Ayr Ladies 43-17 Cartha Ladies.
Photo - George McMillan
Lessons Learned as Ayr fall at Biggar
It was a tough afternoon at the office on Saturday for Ayr 1st XV, suffering a heavy defeat to league rivals Biggar. A promising start resulted in Ayr being up early but once the hosts wrangled control of the fixture it quickly became a one-way street.
Head Coach Stuart Fenwick was disappointed with the outcome but believes there will be valuable lessons learned from coming up short: "It is never nice to lose, especially in that fashion, but we don't become a bad side overnight and now it's all about the reaction we get from the boys.
"We want the boys to enjoy their season, they wouldn't have enjoyed that. A few of them will be disappointed with their performance and attitude and will be hurting. It's good we have gotten a lesson like that out the way early in the season and we will turn up to training on Tuesday to work bloody hard and get a positive reaction".
The home side drew first blood from the kicking tee after seven minutes but didn't hold the lead for long. Straight from the restart, Andy Morrison managed to wriggle his way through the line, drawing the last defender, before finding the supporting Harry Lynch with a crafty offload. Lynch finished off the play to take Ayr's only lead in the match.
It was grim viewing from then on for the traveling support, with a young Ayr put to the sword by a settled Biggar side led by a few seasoned campaigners. A Jamie Bova penalty and James Pinkerton try were the only consolation for the Millbrae outfit.
Full time: Biggar RFC 62-15 Ayr RFC
Murchie Adds Scrum-Half duo to Bulls Ranks
Peter Murchie has revealed the two latest players to join his Bulls roster, unveiling scrum-half pairing of club legend David Armstrong and Scottish-Qualified South African Aylan Schabort.
A man who needs no introduction to the Millbrae faithful, David Armstrong is a fan favorite at Ayr and has established himself as one of the top half backs in Scotland. He has enjoyed success for both Ayr RFC and Scotland Club XV over the past few years.
Peter Murchie has revealed the two latest players to join his Bulls roster, unveiling scrum-half pairing of club legend David Armstrong and Scottish-Qualified South African Aylan Schabort.
A man who needs no introduction to the Millbrae faithful, David Armstrong is a fan favorite at Ayr and has established himself as one of the top half backs in Scotland. He has enjoyed success for both Ayr RFC and Scotland Club XV over the past few years.
Armstrong is now fighting fight after his season was derailed through injury last year.
Peter Murchie expressed delight with Armstrong opting to join the Bulls: “He is a hugely influential player that has a natural ability to read the game. He has been training hard and is looking really sharp at the moment.
“We are extremely excited to see him back out on the pitch”.
Born a Scotsman in Perth 19 years ago, Schabort grew up in South Africa and joins from Currie Cup side S.W.D Eagles where he was captain. He was named the clubs’ back-line Player of the Year in 2018.
Speaking of his latest signing, Peter Murchie said: “Aylan is a young talented Scottish qualified scrum-half. He has a strong kicking game and has a good physical edge that we like in a nine.
“We think he will continue to grow and develop with us this season”.
Frazier Climo, 32, Fly-Half
Ruairidh Sayce, 21, Prop
Ollie Smith, 19, Outside-Back (Stage 3 Player)
Lewis Anderson, 23, Hooker
Isaac McNulty, 22, Centre
George Bordill, 21, Back Row
Lars Morrice, 24, Second Row
Euan McLaren, 20, Prop (Stage 3 Player)
Marshall Sykes, 20, Second Row (Stage 3 Player)
Peter McCallum, 27, Number Eight
Graham Geldenhuys, 24, Back Row
David Armstrong, 29, Scrum Half
Aylan Schabort, 19, Scrum Half
Fosroc Named Title Sponsor for Super6
Fosroc Constructive Solutions has today been named as the title partner of Scottish Rugby’s new part-time professional competition Super6 for its inaugural season.
The leading international manufacturer is currently the official academy sponsor for Scottish Rugby and this strengthens the partnership between the two.
Ayr Rugby C.O.O Glen Tippett was delighted with the news, stating: "Having a company of Fosroc's stature come on-board with the Super6 is massive.
"The league is starting to piece together nicely and we cannot wait for our opening game on November 10th".
Scottish Rugby’s Chief Operating Officer, Dominic McKay said: “I am delighted Fosroc is continuing to invest in the future of the game in Scotland and helping to develop Scotland’s pipeline of talent. It gives me great pleasure to welcome Fosroc into the Super6 competition which is now in a strong position ahead of its inaugural season beginning in November.”
Scottish Rugby Commercial Operations Manager, Al Kellock added: “Having Fosroc’s support of our Academy has been hugely beneficial to Scottish Rugby. The recent Scotland match against France saw the first academy graduate since their support began, Grant Stewart, win his first cap.
“Each Super6 team will have five players from the Fosroc Academy playing for them, which is designed to link the development of young players into the player pathway - Super6 gives these players a high level of competition within Scotland.”
“The Fosroc Super6 is really starting to take shape and this important new title sponsor adds to the already fantastic range of partners we have on board.”
Ayr seal five-pointer at Meggetland
Ayr 1st XV secured a massive road win this afternoon at Boroughmuir in a game that hung in the balance from start to finish. Despite trailing at half-time Ayr set up their stall defensively after the break and held the host scoreless to win 16-22.
A harsh wind plagued proceedings resulting in an unsavory error count but Head Coch Stuart Fenwick is proud of how his men dogged out a result: "It wasn't pretty, but it was a bonus-point win away from home, so we will take the positives from that.
"It is a tough place to win in a very unknown league but the young boys involved showed character to get a result in a game that could have gone either way".
The hosts drew first blood with a routine penalty kick four minutes in but Ayr were first to cross the whitewash. Fly-half Andy Morrison floated through an illusive tackle to trot up the field before drawing the last man and finding Harry Lynch with a one-handed offload. The centre, who was at the heart of the majority of Ayr's go-forward in the fixture, cantered clear.
Boroughmuir's 14 answered back with two scores of his own to take a controlling 13-5 lead after just 20 minutes. They managed to stretch their lead seven minutes later with a penalty.
Those 16 points were to be their only of the game, and Ayr mounted a charge with the half coming to a close.
Ayr's control was generated from the set-piece. The scrum punished Boroughmuir and Stuart Collier had the line-out orchestrating superbly.
Zac Howard was to be the next scorer when the ball was shipped wide for the winger to dive clear through contact.
Half-Time: Boroughmuir Rugby 16-10 Ayr RFC.
The next score came from a Boroughuir mishap. A dropped ball at the back of their scrum allowed Matt Donaldson to pounce and dive clear unscathed. Jamie Bova nailed the conversion to take a 16-17 lead.
The final score of the match came through James Pinkerton. The crafty back started the play with a slicing run through the defence towards the try-line. The ball was then shipped wide to the forwards before coming back for Pinkerton to dot down out wide.
Full-Time: Boroughmuir 16-22 Ayr RFC.
Stuart Collier was named Slaters Menswear Man of the Match.
Preview - Settled squad for Boroughmuir Clash
Ayr RFC 1st XV will look to kick on from last week's rampant victory when they travel to Meggetland tomorrow to face Boroughmuir.
The young squad is starting to settle after a few games together, and five points on the opening weekend of the league was the perfect catalyst for development.
Stuart Fenwick has made a handful of changes to his squad ahead of tomorrow's encounter. In the front row Stuart Collier comes in to replace Scott Clelland and Ben Paterson starts at loose-head, with Dave Young reverting to the flank. The engine-room remains unchanged.
Matt Donaldson returns from a hand injury to start at nine, partnering Andy Morrison. Jamie Bova moves to the wing to make way for James Pinkerton in the midfield. James Baird drops to the bench.
Ayr/Millbrae are in action closer to home tomorrow. They welcome Hamilton to Millbrae in their first test of the new season. Kick-off is at 15.00 on the 2XV pitch, with the U18s hosting Boroughmuir U18s on the 1s pitch at 14.00. A repeat of the 2019 Scottish Youth Cup Final, it promises to be a cracker.
If you can't make it to Meggetland or Millbrae tomorrow follow the action every step of the way on Twitter @OfficialAyrRFC.
Bulls to play Newcastle Falcons in Friendly
Scottish Rugby has confirmed that the six semi-professional Super6 franchises will all face Newcastle Falcons XV in a series of friendlies. The Ayrshire Bulls will travel to Kingston Park on Saturday 1st of February, kicking-off at 19.30.
The game falls in-between the domestic Super6 season and the cross border fixtures with Wales.
Speaking of what it means to test themselves against English opposition, Murchie said: "I think the fixture against Newcastle is an excellent addition to our fixture list. Traveling to the North of England and taking on what I am sure will be a very tough opponent will be a great challenge for the squad.
"It also further exposes our players to different teams and playing styles that can only add to our players' development".
Super6 On-Field Development Lead, Sean Lineen, added: “It’s great to be able to extend our partnership with Newcastle Falcons and we’re pleased that these fixtures have been added to the calendar for the Super6 clubs.
"It will give the newly formed squads time on the pitch and allows our teams the opportunity to play against some quality opposition where the standard of rugby will be extremely competitive".
NEWCASTLE FALCONS XV fixtures
Sun 6 Oct: v Heriot’s (Kingston Park, 3pm)
Sat 19 Oct: v Heriot’s (Goldenacre, 2.30pm)
Sun 2 Nov: v Stirling County (Kingston Park, 4.30pm)
Sat 28 Dec: v Southern Knights (Kingston Park, 3pm)
Sat 11 Jan: v Watsonians Rugby (Myreside, 3pm)
Sat 1 Feb: v Ayrshire Bulls (Kingston Park, 7.30pm)
Fri 3 Apr: v Boroughmuir Bears (Kingston Park, 7.30pm)
For the full domestic Super6 fixture list, click here.
Murchie Bolsters Bulls with Two Signings
Peter Murchie has revealed that former Ayr RFC Skipper Peter McCallum and South African back-row Graham Geldenhuys have joined the Ayrshire Bulls ahead of the maiden Super6 season.
McCallum will be no stranger to the Millbrae crowd, having captained the side for the past three seasons, lifting the Premiership trophy twice and the Scottish Cup once. He was the BT Premiership Player of the season in 2016 and has also captained his country on numerous occasions at club level.
24-year old Geldenhuys comes to Ayrshire from Greene King IPA Championship side Jersey Reds. Before his two-year stint there he represented the Sharks in the Currie Cup. The 110kg 6’3” man-mountain is equally adept at six, seven or eight.
Speaking of McCallum, who led Ayr to a domestic double last season, Murchie said: “Pete signing with the Bulls is a big boost to the team, he is one of the most experienced and successful players from the club game.
“Not only has Pete been involved with numerous title-winning teams but he has captained those teams as well as leading the Club international side, this experience is vital as we enter this new period. I firmly believe that Pete can be highly influential on the pitch and continue to develop with the Bulls”.
Geldenhuys has been training with the Bulls for a few weeks now, and Murchie is pleased with what he has seen: “Graham has got experience of playing at a high level and was involved with Jersey Reds in the English Championship last season, who are one of the top teams in that division.
“He also went on loan to Moseley for the tail end of last season and was heavily involved in them staying in the division. We believe that Graham will fit into the way we play well and give us something a little different to what we already have, in that he is very comfortable of playing at 7 whilst still being a powerful ball carrier”.
Confirmed players so far:
Gordon Reid, 32, Prop
Frazier Climo, 32, Fly-Half
Ruairidh Sayce, 21, Prop
Ollie Smith, 19, Outside-Back (Stage 3 Player)
Lewis Anderson, 23, Hooker
Isaac McNulty, 22, Centre
George Bordill, 21, Back Row
Lars Morrice, 24, Second Row
Euan McLaren, 20, Prop (Stage 3 Player)
Marshall Sykes, 20, Second Row (Stage 3 Player)
Peter McCallum, 27, Number Eight
Graham Geldenhuys, 24, Back Row