Ayr play pain game
There was deep frustration at Millbrae after Ayr won the BT Premiership by nine points – but finished the season empty - handed.
How could that be fair? There was much scratching of heads at the way the powers that be decided the end of season prize list.
Ayr, despite a glorious season, were left out in the cold.
There was anger in the camp as Ayr lost 29- 26 to Heriot’s to be left with nothing.
Coach Calum Forrester reflected: “It is hugely disappointing to have come so far and fallen at the final hurdle.”
With 1595 minutes of the season gone and five to go, Ayr were where they deserved to be as the top club in Scotland.
Then referee Graham Wells awarded a penalty try against Ayr and they were left with nothing for 10 months of hard toil.
However, there was some joy for the Ayr club who, despite the final fall, had enjoyed a great campaign.
The Millbrae XV won the BT Bowl in thrilling style against Aberdeen University at Murrayfield.
That was the same day as Carrick also became capital stars with a 34- 27 win over Highland to lift the Shield.
Ayr ladies clinched promotion to the top flight by winning BT National League One, wrapping it up with a 37- 19 victory over Watsonians.
And the juniors carried on their winning tradition with some big spoils.
But there was no getting away from the final day heartache of the 1st XV who were pipped at the last hurdle.
Harsh lessons learned. No repeat this time please.