Currie 32 - 13 Ayr: Hosts close in on leaders with tough win

Published on 14/10/2012 03:30

The latest edition of a fixture that is renowned as a full-blooded, feisty affair did not disappoint, with Currie owing the bonus point win that has blown open the Premiership title race to their greater discipline.

Ayr’s unbeaten start to the season has been peppered by close encounters and they looked determined to avoid another tight affair as they set off at a furious pace, dominating the opening 15 minutes. However, one penalty by Finn Russell from three attempts on goal was a meagre return for their superiority.

Currie’s first foray into the opposition 22 created the position for James Johnstone to have a tilt at the Ayr defence. His run was halted by a dangerous tackle from Ross Curle who was shown a red card for the second time this season – each of them for the same offence. Jamie Forbes exacted retribution with the equalising kick.

The visitors shrugged off that setback and regained the lead when Denford Mutamangira rumbled over from a quickly taken close range penalty. Russell added the extra two points, but Ayr’s advantage lasted only a minute before Forbes burst from deep and fed Gregor Hunter who sent Mike Entwhistle in for a try which Forbes converted.

Ayr were in front again by half time after Sylvain Diez assumed the kicking responsibilities to bang over a penalty. But Currie resumed at a ferocious pace and were rewarded when Gary Temple plunged over after a series of drives, with Forbes again landing the conversion.

Ayr were temporarily reduced to 13 men when Russell was adjudged guilty of a deliberate knock-on and in his absence Forbes added three points to the Currie tally with another penalty. The hosts extended their advantage in 66 minutes when Johnstone burst clear and offloaded to Simeon James who completed the job and, crucially, left Ayr needing to score to take something from the match.

But the home side ensured the only bonus point of the afternoon would be theirs when another spell of sustained pressure yielded a penalty try which Forbes converted to complete the scoring.