Battle of the backs key to victory, claims Damien Kelly as well-rounded Ayr target glory

AYR developed a reputation in forcing themselves among the elite clubs in Scottish rugby as a ten-man team that revolved around its rumbustious skipper Damien Kelly.

Kenny Murray took over as coach two years ago keen to build on what his predecessor Craig Redpath had created, but at the heart of that lay a desire to turn the team into a more attacking side wider out; a team that could take on sides up front with the same physical overpowering style, but also be able to win games with pace and running skills.

The fact the team remains in the hunt for the league and cup as it heads into Murrayfield this afternoon suggests he is succeeding. To watch Ayr over the past 18 months is to know that he has certainly opened up Ayr's threat, but the ultimate test of whether the side is the kind of complete 15-man team Murray seeks surely comes on the wide expanse of Murrayfield.

Kelly is quick, however, to shrug off the stereotype, even if the big Australian loves nothing better than rugged forward battles. He even believes this final will be decided by which of the back divisions finds their game.

"We were a very forward-orientated team a few years back, and that was the key to our success, but Kenny has worked hard with us and we're seeing the fruits of that in the last two seasons. The battle up front is always important, but today the supporters will see two teams that like to play rugby so I think it's going to be a very exciting game.

"I don't think it will be a high-scoring game; it will be tight, but for us the key is definitely being able to keep the Melrose backs quiet. We do that and I think we'll win."

Kelly was at Millbrae last night with around 500 supporters in his guise as local development officer overseeing Ayrshire S1, under-15 and under-18 cup finals, and he expects the town to contribute around 1,500 supporters to today's occasion.

Arguably the most eagerly awaited confrontation is at stand-off where Scott Wight, a winner and a loser in Melrose colours, comes up against Frazier Climo.

The Ayr man was in the running to join Glasgow on a pro contract this season, until he ran into work visa problems. He remains one of the most influential players in the Scottish game at present, however, and Kelly acknowledged that Climo was crucial to Ayr's hopes of lifting the cup on their first appearance in the final.

"He's our points machine, but not only with the boot – he's scored a few tries as well. When Frazier plays we all play to be honest and when he's on fire there are few around to touch him. Obviously, that's what we're hoping for this weekend and he's confident.

"He's quite physical for a stand-off, which helps, but he likes to play and get his outside backs moving, which is why I say that the backs will be big in this game. The Melrose backs are good and Wight is an experienced player now, and experience does matter in finals like this.

"But I've played in cup finals in Australia, and our guys here might not have been here before, but they have played in a lot of big games and come out on top. We know how to win big games and we're really looking forward to this.

"There is a similar feeling to when we won the league last year around the town and great excitement.

"It's great just to get to the final, but winning it would be a great way to say thanks to all the people behind Ayr rugby."