Ayr 15 - 13 Hawick: Short-handed Ayr still manage to snatch victory away from Hawick

HAWICK came close to posting their first win of the season in this fiercely-contested match at Millbrae, writes Matt Vallance.

The Greens pack, given a phenomenal lead by skipper Bruce McNeil, dominated proceedings from the start, until Ayr’s superior fitness told in the final ten minutes. But second-half yellow cards for Hawick’s Chris Ritson and Rory Sutherland helped tip the balance of power Ayr’s way.

Ayr, too, had a spell short-handed in the first half, but coped better than the visitors when down to 14 men.

The home side struck first, in 14 minutes, with a piece of individual brilliance from Cammy Taylor. AJ MacFarlane’s grubber into acres of space was chased and gathered by Taylor, who, despite a slip, took advantage of inept Hawick tackling to go over for a try which Robbie Fergusson converted.

Two penalties from Neil Renwick put Hawick in front as Ayr tight-head was Gordon Sykes yellow-carded, by Ayr made light of his absence as Fergusson scampered over for a try.

Trailing 6-12 at the break, Hawick upped the pace in the second half and not even Ritson’s banishment could prevent them from going ahead through Keith Davis. Gary Johnstone converted.

With Ritson restored, then Rory Sutherland yellow-carded, and Renwick having been taken off injured, things looked bleak for Ayr before Sylvain Diez goaled a 36-metre penalty for the points.

As Ayr director of rugby Jock Craig told the Hawick officials at the finish: “The better team lost today.