Dundee HSFP 18 - 29 Ayr

Published on 04/11/2012 00:52

Ayr’s march to the RBS Premiership title was in serious danger of disruption at Mayfield where lowly Dundee demonstrated that rumours of their demise were greatly exaggerated, leaving the home supporters believing it is still possible to avoid relegation, writes Jack Nixon.

Ayr prevailed but their coach, Kenny Murray, was a relieved man. “This is a scary place to come,” he said. “We will take any kind of win. We had to rely on stand-off Finn Russell to take five penalties and two conversions.”

The two sides exchanged early penalties through Dundee full back Jamie Urquhart and Ayr’s Russell before Dundee eased in front when Urquhart slotted a 40-yard penalty. But just when the home side where looking to build on the lead, a loose kick led to Ayr full-back Grant Anderson releasing captain No.8 Callum Forrester for a score completely against the run of play just before the half hour. Russell’s conversion gave the visitors a 13-6 lead at half time.

Dundee were first out of the blocks early in the second period, winger Andy Mclean skinning the Ayr defence for an unconverted try.

Minutes later they were at it again, Harry Duthie touching down after a clever chip.

But Ayr kept in touch with a couple of Russell penalties and sealed it at the end with a late try from Andy Dunlop, converted by Russell.