BT Cup Quarter-Final

AYR 60

GHK 0

by Elena Hogarth

AWESOME Ayr swept aside minnows GHK with a ten-try 60-0 win to reach the semi-finals of the BT Cup.

The visitors had been hogging the headlines after their defeat of Selkirk – three leagues above them – in the previous round, and everyone was intrigued to see what the team from Old Anniesland had to offer.

Their fitness and determination were exemplary but any attacking ambitions were completely smothered by Ayr’s superior power, strength and skill.

First over the try-line was prop Steven Longwell, who claimed the man-of- the-match award after an energetic performance. Hot on his heals for plaudits – and scorching all over the pitch – was winger Craig Gossman, who claimed a hat-trick. It would have been four scores were it not for a forward pass.

There were also multiple scores for centre Richard Dalgleish and number eight Blair Macpherson, who secured a brace each. Stand-off Frazier Climo had an up-and-down day with the boot, converting four of the 10 tries, one of which was his own. It was a near carbon-copy of the try he scored the week before in the third round victory over Stirling County where he appeared on the wing and strolled over the line unopposed.

Rounding up the scores was replacement back rower Pete McCallum with his try converted by another replacement, Ross Curle.

After their double shift the previous week – first for Scotland Club XV and then less than 24 hours later for Ayr against County – McCallum and Curle stayed on the bench until well into the second half.

GHK’s backs had a go an also mopped up Ayr’s mistakes, including some wonky line-outs and professional fouls, but points remained elusive.

Ayr head coach Calum Forrester was satisfied with his troops’ performance and said "It's another step forward for the club, and great for the players as a lot of them have never made it to the semi-finals of the cup."

The semi-finals are scheduled for March 26 with Heriot's, Melrose and Glasgow Hawks also in the hat with the draw still to be made.

Ayr wind up their league campaign on Saturday when they finally face Hawick in the last BT Premiership game. After Mansfield Park was flooded twice over the past few months, the fixture may be switched to Gala’s ground, Netherdale, although this is yet to be confirmed.

The Ayr 2nd XV signed off their season with a 32-20 victory over Hamilton. James Armstrong scored twice, with Sam Graham, Fraser Miller and Euan Low also notching tries. Armstrong converted and added a penalty.

Meanwhile the U18s beat GHA 36-7 to reach the semi-finals of the West Regional Cup, as did the U16s when West of Scotland defaulted their match due to lack of players.

The U15s, sadly, were beaten 34-24 by Glasgow Hawks.

The last hurrah of the weekend went to Ayr Ladies, who have moved up a gear this season. In a htly anticipated game with south-west rivals Stewartry Sirens, they triumphed 31-12 to top BT National League Division 1.