Callum Kerr @ Millbrae
Ayr RFC bounced back from their first defeat of the season last weekend to secure victory in emphatic fashion this afternoon at Millbrae, downing Boroughmuir 58-12.
The hosts went coast-to-coast, leading from the second minute until the last, in a game that never looked like it was going to be anything other than an Ayr victory. Boroughmuir remained determined and did well to weather much of the onslaught and leave with a couple of consolation tries late in the game.
(David Lymburn in action during this afternoon’s victory. Image – George McMillan)
At the final whistle of last week’s loss, head coach Stuart Fenwick was a man of few words. After today’s victory, he was once again a man of few words. When asked if he was happy, he insisted: “Yes.”
When pressed further, Fenwick commended the efforts of his men to bounce back and secure a statement victory this afternoon: “We worked really hard at training this week. We knew we had underperformed against Heriots. We worked hard on Tuesday and Thursday and the boys turned up with a really good attitude. We spoke about a few things that were definitely evident today on the field. We put those things into action. I’m really pleased with it”.
In a testament to the squad’s depth, Fenwick highlighted the impact made today when the bench was called upon: “We certainly have got guys that can come in across the squad… There’s a lot of guys in the second XV today who could quite easily play ones when selected and should be pushing on to that. We have guys who can perform at that level and can compete at that level.
“The depth in the squad is very good just now”.
Jamie Bova was named Man of the Match, having been involved in a mouth-watering amount of tries, including one for himself. The wing also contributed a shedload of points from the tee. When asked who stood out in Stuart Fenwick’s eyes, he struggled to pinpoint individuals, instead praising the collective performance: “Lots of people did stand out but I’m more impressed with how they gelled and played as a unit.
“Looking at performances within that, I thought Aidan O’Connor bounced back today and scored a couple of really good tries. He looked real confident with the ball in hand. I thought all of the pack fronted up exceptionally. Scott Clelland was terrific, Michael Kirk put in some great hits and Craig Brown again was outstanding”.
It was different fortunes for Ayr/Millbrae, who lost 63-7 to GHA 2s.
Attention now turns to tomorrow’s FOSROC Super6 final between the Ayrshire Bulls and Southern Knights. The match kicks off at 13.30 at Edinburgh Rugby’s newly erected DAM Health Stadium. Secure your tickets on the button below.