Defensive qualities carry Ayr through to victory after early ‘war of attrition’

AYR remain a major force in Scottish rugby, but coach Kenny Murray admitted that matches in the Borders are fraught with difficulties.

The cup-winners emerged with a victory thanks to a 2-1 try count. However, Gala were disappointed to take only a losing bonus point.

George Graham, son of coach George Graham, scored a try in the third minute of injury time, but it came too late.

“The first half was a bit of a war of attrition at times,” said Murray. “Gala are a good side. I thought that they defended well, but our defence got us through. When we come to the Borders, we are lucky to get away with a win at times.

“If you want to win Premier 1, you have to win away games and we are delighted with the result.”

No so coach Graham. “I am bitterly disappointed,” he said. “These were three points lost rather than a point gained. We had the territory, but we did not execute the ball well.”

Graham also questioned a decision by the referee after a late scrum under the Ayr posts.

“We marched them back, mysteriously the scrum is wheeled, and the referee gives the ball to them,” he explained.

“I have been around in the scrum for more than 25 years and the referee needs to have a look at that decision for that was a crucial point.”

Ayr’s tries came from Scott Sutherland and Grant Anderson, with Sylvain Diez and Nick Elrick sharing the goal points and Millar on target for Gala.

Scorers: Gala – Try: Graham. Con: Millar. Pens: Millar 2. Ayr – Tries: Sutherland, Anderson. Cons: Elrick, Diez. Pens: Elrick, Diez.

Gala: L. Millar; C. Robertson, C. Auld, C. Borthwick, L. Kibble; A. McLean, G. Graham; L. Pettie, R. Anderson, E. McQuillin, O. Palepoi, C. Weir, G. Graham, G. Lowrie, E. Dods. Replacements: L. Bertram, L. Roden, D. Marshall, G. Young, B. Turner.

Ayr: G. Anderson, S. Manning, R. Curle, R. Ferguson, C. Taylor; N. Elrick, M. McConnell; A. Kelly, H. Wisneski, S. Fenwick, S. Sutherland, J. Dunning, C. White, R. Doneghan, A. Dunlop. Replacements: Gordon Sykes, A. MacFarlane, G. Fisken, S. Diez, AJ McFarlane.

Referee: C Rudkin.