Rotherham Titans 20-20 Ayr: Late try ensures draw

JOHNNIE Beattie took another stride towards a Scotland recall as he bagged a try in Ayr's brave British and Irish Cup draw in Yorkshire.

The Millbrae men should have done even better against a side with English Premiership aspirations but Grant Anderson's late penalty drifted off target.

Mattie James broke the deadlock for Rotherham with a penalty before Robbie Fergusson got Ayr's first touchdown. South African winger Will Durand went over for a touchdown to reclaim the lead for the hosts. Anderson slotted a penalty, then Beattie - aiming for a place in Scotland's Six Nations line-up - burst into the spotlight for a fine score after a lineout.

The conversion was slotted by Anderson, only for the see-saw action to continue with Durand completing his double. Then full-back Pete Swatkins pounced for a Rotherham try, with James adding the extras.

Anderson levelled with a try in the corner - but failed with the conversion and that crucial late penalty.