Melrose v Ayr – 31/10/26
This “table topping” Round 9 Arnold Clark Men’s Premiership match was played on a beautiful warm and sunny afternoon with no wind to dictate play. Ayr kicked off facing the bright low sun and quickly got into gear. With nine minutes played, following an Ayr break up the Stand side, a series of plays developed going right before the final break by Robbie Orr passing to Rory Jackson who strode, unopposed, into the Policeman’s Corner for an unconverted try. Five minutes later Ayr won a lineout on their own 10m line and from the maul the ball was passed right. After a series of plays the ball was advanced to Ryan Sweeney who, in turn, passed to Adam McGowan with the winger scoring in the Policeman’s Corner and Jack Craig converting. From a penalty lineout between the Melrose 10 & 22m lines on the Stand side, at 25 minutes, the ball went right via the Ayr forwards before Sweeney passed to Ed Bloodworth. The Ayr captain took no prisoners in bashing his way over through the Melrose defence to score to the right of the posts with Craig adding the extras.
Half time – Melrose 0 Ayr 19
With the clocks having been put back six days ago the floodlights were illuminated for the second half. With four minutes of the half played Ayr collected their bonus point try. From a halfway lineout in front of the Stand Ayr worked the ball left advancing up-field before Jamie Shedden off-loaded to Bobbie Beattie who raced in to the Church Corner for an unconverted try. At 66 minutes, after a fine exhibition of passing, McGowan scored in St. Mary’s Corner with Liam Brims converting. Although Melrose failed to score there was plenty of evidence of endeavour but, unfortunately, even within minimal distance from the visitors’ line, they were unable to overcome an efficient and fierce defence. Ayr maintained league leadership but, unfortunately, after two successive defeats, Melrose slipped to third place.
Melrose 0 Ayr 31
Melrose – Callum Anderson, Charlie Robbie, Ben Pickles, Gav Wood, Donald Crawford, Luke Townsend, Doug Crawford, Jack Dobie, Logan Kirk, Zen Szwagrzak, Jarrah Bell, Angus Runciman©, Sam Derrick, Paddy Anderson, Ru Campbell. Replacements – Craig Greer, Elliot Ruthven, Natale Frangione, Craig Fairbairn, Struan Hutchison, Scott Clark, Roly Brett.
Ayr – Robbie Orr, Adam McGowan, Jamie Shedden, Andy Stirratt, Jack Craig, Bobbie Beattie, Fergus Johnston, Jamie Drummond, Alex McGuire, Calvin Henderson, Ed Bloodworth©, Rory Jackson, Oscar Baird, Cameron Reece, Ryan Sweeney. Replacements – Dan Rhoda, Caleb Rae, Ruairidh Sayce, Jack Haynes, Seth Rae, Chris Hyde, Liam Brims.
Referee – Rob McDowall. Assistants – Digby Thomas & Charles Samson.
“Polisman’s Corner” Melrose Man of the Match – Paddy Anderson