AMBITIOUS Ayr Rugby Club head coach Peter Murchie believes his team have now hit the ground running in the hugely competitive new FOSROC Super6 League following a disappointing opening.

But he was left frustrated on Saturday when the scheduled home clash with Watsonians was called off just under an hour before kick-off.

One section of the pitch remained frozen and following an inspection the match was called off.

He said: “It was a late call-off as we had hoped to get it on.

“The whole pitch was covered to try and get it on, it’s the old area in front of the stand which has been an issue in the past and doesn’t get the sun.

“It’s frustrating as the guys turned up expecting play. We spent all week building up for the match and it was first against second.We had built up a bit of momentum.

The coach is happy with the progress being made by his team so far.

He said: “It’s all about team-work and we’re getting there. We’re finding more consistency which is good. Competition has been good and attendances have been strong.

“We’ve had a lot of really close games.”

Murchie feels his team are much more tested than in recent seasons.

He said: “It’s pretty exciting for the neutral having the Super6.

“You don’t get the walkovers you’ve had in the past. The result is on edge every week.

“If you don’t turn up you will get beaten.

“The standard has gone up and that’s the whole point of the new league.”

Asked of his target, Murchie said: “It must be a top four finish in terms of the play-offs and a home semi-final.

“That gives you a better chance.

“But we must take it as it comes, you can’t look too far ahead. Things can change pretty quickly.

“Training is going well and we now have Queen Margaret Academy available.

“We now have a double header against Stirling County, with the first game there on Sunday and the other one at Millbrae the following week. The aim is to get results in these games.”