Ayr 19 - 0 Currie: Ayr more like usual selves

AFTER last week’s second-half going-over from Melrose, Ayr were more like their usual selves in beating Currie in dreadful conditions, writes Matt Vallance at Millbrae.

In a scrappy, points-free first half, Ayr were too often the 
victims of their own ambition, trying to play champagne rugby on a hot toddy day. They created and muffed numerous chances as they turned the screw after Currie’s bright start had evaporated in the face of injuries and Ayr’s obdurate defence.

The breakthrough for the home side came three minutes into the second half, when, from scrummage ball and orthodox handling up the left, Dean Kelbrick broke the line and went all the way for the opener, converted by Finn Russell.

With Currie visibly tiring, Ayr cut loose in the final 15 minutes, adding a further four tries. Dougie Hall took a strike against the head, Kelbrick made a half-break and off-loaded to give Ross Curle a clear run. Russell converted and Ayr were clear.

Two minutes later, Denford Mutamangira stole an over-thrown Currie line-out, Callum Templeton linked and made it to the line for an unconverted third Ayr try.

Templeton then turned try-maker, releasing Grant Anderson to touch down in the corner, before Kelbrick, the man who had started the scoring, finished it with another surging run from Hall’s off-load. Russell was unable to add to the final three tries.

Ayr always looked the likelier team to win. They had the game’s outstanding players in Club XV international Scott Sutherland, who not only won his own ball with ease, but repeatedly disrupted Currie, while Kelbrick was immense behind the scrum.

They also got much more from their replacements, all of whom contributed to the tries.

Currie disappointed, their only scoring chances of note were three missed penalties from stand-off Joe Reynolds.