TITLE-chasing Ayr Rugby Ladies took on Kirkcaldy at chilly Millbrae.

Skipper Louise McLauchlan led out a home side intent on closing the gap to first placed Oban Lorne.

After a moment's silence for remembrance Sunday the referee blew for kick-off.

Ayr's determination was clear from the off. An uncharacteristic knock-on was rectified with an incredible counter-scrum. A stolen ball fed the backs, unleashing Connie Griffiths who went in for the first try.

The match hadn't hit 100 seconds and Ayr broke clear again. From the restart, Danni Hands broke from her own 22, palming off the attempting tacklers. The versatile forward strode home without any of the covering defenders able to catch her. Shennan duly converted.

Ayr weren't letting up and their third came just minutes later. The ball was being thrown through the hands from side-to-side and slowly straining the Kirkcaldy defence. Lovely interplay in midfield between Griffiths and Gibson freed up winger Lee Steward, who darted over out wide before looping under the posts. The appreciative Shennan added the extras.

The visitors then scored a try.

Ayr's energy from the opening stages looked to have been burned but a much-needed shot of adrenaline came courtesy of Catherine Shennan. The fly-half split the defence in the trademark style of her mentor Frazier Climo. Gliding through the inside channel a show 'n' go duped her opposite number and she strode towards the line and added the extras from the tee.

In 42 minutes, debutant winger Gemma McIvor had a clinical finish in the corner, the conversion fell just short.

Ten minutes later Connie Griffiths weaved through the middle and dived over the line. Shennan's conversion made it 38-7.

As the game neared the end, there were two breakaway tries from Robynn Gibson and Linsey Bunten.