THERE were mixed feelings in South Ayrshire as local rugby sides entered the second half of their league seasons.
In the National Premiership, Ayr RFC maintained their perfect start to the campaign as they hosted Heriot's on Saturday.
It was a record breaking day for the Millbrae club who made it 11 bonus point wins to start the campaign - their best ever start to a Premiership season.
Though the fixture, which ended 26-14, was one of the tightest of the season so far in terms of the final score line.
In reality, however, Ayr were comfortable for much of the afternoon and got off to a great start as Joe Roberts went over after eight minutes to open the scoring.
Heriot's did level the match midway through the first period but tries from Blair Macpherson and a second for Roberts had the home side 21-7 up at the break.
The visitors did, briefly, get back within a converted score after going over on 50 minutes but Jamie Shedden sealed the game - and bonus point - just five minutes later.
It proved to be the final score of the game as Ayr saw the match out to continue their perfect regular season campaign so far.
In National Division One, however, it was a heart-breaking afternoon for Marr who fell to a narrow defeat at home to Jed-Forest.
The Troon outfit led heading into the dying minutes of the match, only for the visitors to stage an impressive turnaround to earn a 32-26 victory.
After an impressive start to life in the division, the result makes it five without victory for the Fullarton outfit.
Carrick RFC took a break from league action this weekend as they travelled to face fellow West Division One title challengers Strathendrick in the National Shield third round.
In a match which proved as tight as expected, the visitors earning progress with a tremendous 25-24 win.
The Maybole club led for much of the match, only to fall behind heading into the final five minutes.
However, a try with just two minutes remaining sealed an impressive win and spot in the quarter-finals.
In women's rugby, it was a tough afternoon for Ayr on Sunday as they travelled to take on table topping West of Scotland.
In a high scoring West Division One encounter, the home side ran out 57-25 winners against the Millbrae club.
While Carrick RFC faced off against Strathaven in West Division Three, falling to a narrow 26-17 loss on the road.
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