Rugby: Another loss, but 'Muir begin to show promise

Published on Monday 7 December 2009 08:43

Boroughmuir 6 Ayr 13

BOROUGHMUIR skipper Euan Matheson believes a repeat of the commitment the Meggetland men showed in their 13-6 defeat against Ayr on Saturday can produce the results needed to scramble clear of the Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership drop zone.

A series of sub-par performances in recent weeks has plunged 'Muir into the bottom four and the attitude of some players was questioned by supporters after the side capitulated against Selkirk on their last outing.

However, Saturday's visit of the current champions offered an opportunity to set the record straight and Matheson, who returned from injury when he came off the bench after 33 minutes, feels 'Muir achieved that objective.

"We really wanted to come out and prove that we could still play after a bad few weeks," he said of a match that still hung in the balance at 10-6 entering injury time. "I think we proved that but, looking back, we are thinking it was a missed opportunity.

"Against Selkirk, and the week before that against West, we felt that our mistakes really killed us. If we had the kind of commitment that we showed in this game in defence and the real dogged attitude, I think we would have done better in those games."

The defensive effort to which the 28-year-old was alluding, was evident in the opening half hour when Ayr played some attractive rugby but were repelled by the hosts.

It took an exquisite piece of handling by Glasgow pro Ruaridh Jackson to create the space for Andy Wilson to open the scoring when he touched down in the corner. However, 'Muir's determination to avoid a repeat of the meek surrender against Selkirk was evident in their reaction. They trimmed the deficit to two points when Graeme Blackhall landed a penalty two minutes later.

If the first half had illustrated 'Muir's fighting qualities, then the second period provided evidence of a side growing in confidence.

"We went into the game thinking we could do it but I don't know that the belief was quite there. As the game went on, we really started to believe," added Matheson. Ayr became increasingly frustrated and resorted to high balls and kick and chase rugby not in keeping with their normal structured style. Their pressure eventually yielded a try for scrum-half AJ MacFarlane, but the hosts again responded when Blackhall kicked his second penalty of the afternoon five minutes from full time.

Matheson explained the decision to kick for goal instead of touch, saying: "We thought we still had time so we were trying to go for the win. We weren't looking at a losing bonus point or a draw – we really thought we could get the win."

And they were presented with opportunities to do so although the Ayr defence held firm and the visitors sealed the victory that keeps them on the tails of pacesetters Currie when Frazier Climo booted a long range injury time penalty.

'Muir's skipper emerged unscathed from his comeback and there was also a welcome return to action for Stephen Ruddick who added stability at full-back.

Matheson is now looking forward to the coming fixtures, starting with a derby at Heriot's on Saturday.

"We want to take the attitude and the commitment we showed against Ayr forward to next week and the week after and start putting together all round performances," he said.

"It's real backs against the wall stuff now and every point is going to be crucial for us. We really need to get ourselves some points."

Boroughmuir: S Ruddick, T Bury, G Blackhall, M Hare, R Cairns, G Cottrell, C Cusiter, N Fraser, B Ross, F Lait, G Scott, N Patrick, M Stalley, J Hare, L Brinck. Subs used: E Matheson, F Pringle, S McGhee, R Guedroudj

Ayr: R Jackson, A Wilson, R Curle, M Stewart, C Taylor, F Climo, J Hunter, G Reid, S Fenwick, E Kalman, G Tippett, S Sutherland, J Crossan, P Burke, A Dunlop. Subs used: S Nimmo, S Adair, G Sykes, D Steele, AJ MacFarlane

Referee: D Walker

Scorers: Boroughmuir: Penalties: Blackhall (2). Ayr: Tries: Wilson, MacFarlane. Pen: Climo