Voice of Reason
Shooting from the lip
Silver Smiles
Funny what a trophy does for the mood, eh. Everywhere you go, Ayr United are back on the agenda. Colours displayed with pride. And if the last seven blurry days have reinforced anything, it’s the scope this club could have. Ian McCall isn’t wrong. Why should we fear the likes of Queen of the South and Morton? He’s been around the game long enough to know when a project has outstayed its shelf life. But the way he’s talking right now, he genuinely believes Ayr are going up to compete. The small matter of retaining Lawrence Shankland et al will prove crucial to this. Do that headline deal and we’re in business.
New Ball Game
The boys at Millbrae are cock- a- hoop this week. And little wonder. This Super Six franchise deal is a potential game changer. In recent years, we’ve hailed Ayr for punching above their weight. But as Billy McHarg points out, they now have almost 600 registered players on their books across all teams. Not so small fry these days. And the Super Six recognition is just the latest step on what could be a very exciting road.
Pitch Perfect
The next generation of cricket stars could be in our midst. Great to see both Prestwick and Ayr providing a platform for the junior game. Sunday morning sessions at the Henry Thow Oval are underway – start time 10am – as a fun introduction to the game for age four and above. And from this Friday, Ayr relaunch their All Stars Cricket sessions at Cambusdoon for ages five to eight. More info at www.allstarscricket.co.uk.
Dinner Date
Almost time for the Ayr International Youth Festival. And their Sportsman’s Dinner at Prestwick’s Adamton House this Saturday night looks a cracker. Speakers are John Gahagan, Willie Young and Buller Reid. Tickets £ 30 from 07581 223781.
Flutter Time
Let’s end the season with some cash. Coffee king Nino Pajovic banged in a 14/ 1 treble as Ayr celebrated title glory. And he’s back this week with a Charlton ( Thursday night), Burnley and Killie acca. Bookie Dave takes John Rahm to win the Players Championship at 25/ 1. The VoR says lump on Eminent ( 15/ 8) for Chester’s Huxley Stakes on Friday.