Cumnock P7 v Ayr

Cumnock welcomed old friends and local rivals Ayr to Broomfield for the first time this season in fine sunshine but distinctly chilly conditions. Over the past 7 seasons these teams have played some hotly contested games with very little between them. Ayr are one of the biggest clubs in Scotland and were able to bring a sizable squad with them which enable the boys to play 13 a side for the first time this season. In their final season of mini rugby this was a great opportunity to get a taste of what is in store for them next season.

As ever a very well drilled and skillful Ayr side offered a real test to the Cougars throughout the game, no quarter was asked for or given in the tight aspects of the game with crunching tackles and fully committed rucking at the breakdown. Ayr had a great range of big strong boys and fast runners - and a number who were both - the Cumnock defence had to be on their toes constantly to shut down the Pink and Black attack. But shut it down they did, tireless tackling from Lewis , Mackenzie, Dan and Thomas in particular snuffed out wave after wave of Ayr attack. In addition to their defensive roles Cumnock relished the chance to run ball in hand, jinking through the Ayr midfield and scorching up the wings, superb ball retention and passing also paid dividends as the Cougars recycled ball time and time again. The Black and Reds scored some superb tries opening with a peach from Tyler then Thomas TJ and Mackenzie - TJ was unlucky to put a foot in touch as he screamed up the line to touch down for a second try but it was not to be. Ayr looked dangerous whenever they had the ball but were held to a single try by the tenacious Cumnock Cougars. Coaches were delighted with such a high quality performance against one of the best teams in their age group.
Final Score 4-1
Squad; Sandy Hay, Dan McKinlay, Finn Hewitt, Ross Lindsay, Lewis Young, Mackenzie Roy, Tyler Wilson, Gavin Kirkland, Harry Biggans, Lucca Antonucci, Thomas Robertson, Jacob Robertson, Gavin Hall, Brandon Ralston, Tom Robinson, Cameron Kerr, TJ Graham