Another outstanding weekend for rugby in South Ayrshire

Men's teams from the region have enjoyed a perfect start to the new campaign - something which continued on Saturday, September 20.

Ayr were made to fight for victory once again but came away from their Premiership fixture away to Watsonians with a bonus point win.

A converted Bobby Beattie try had Ayr ahead in the opening 10 minutes but the home side hit back with three tries of their own, one of which was converted, before the break.

Blair Macpherson went over for Ayr on the stroke of half-time, with the extras added, cutting the deficit to 17-14 heading into the second period.

Watsonians extended their lead with a penalty early in the half but converted tries from Lewis McNamara and Jamie Shedden put Ayr in control.

An unconverted effort from the home side almost made for a nervy ending but Scott Watson finished in the corner and converted in the final minute to give Ayr a 35-25 win.

The result keeps the Millbrae outfit top of the regular season table with five bonus point wins from five matches.

In National Division One, Marr continued their excellent start to the campaign with a bonus point win of their own away to Boroughmuir.

The Troon outfit fell behind to an early penalty but converted tries from Jake Jacobson and Jack Broadfoot.

Jack Affleck added another try, which was converted, early in the second period, though there was little further action of note for large periods of the half.

The home side did add their first try of the afternoon with five minutes to play but Alex Apthorpe hit back to add the bonus point try at the end of the match, giving Marr a 28-10 win.

They now top the league standings as the only undefeated side in the division so far this campaign.

The area's other unbeaten side, Carrick RFC, were scheduled to be in National Shield first round action on Saturday.

However, they earned a place in the next stage without taking to the field with their opponents, Cumbernauld, withdrawing from the contest.

In women's rugby, Ayr were the only South Ayrshire side in action on Sunday as they travelled to take on Stewartry in West Division One.

It was a fruitful trip for the club who ran out 22-12 winners thanks to tries from Rachel Kilday, Emma Struthers, Shelley Main and Jo Jones, one of which was converted.

In West Division Two, Marr were unable to field a full side at home to Lenzie and their opponents were handed a walkover in the match.

In West Division Three, Carrick's tie with East Kilbride Second XV was postponed with their opponents having insufficient players to play the match.