Ayr chasing second spot at Hawks
Home prize for win over Hawks
Unlike last season, there is no clear- cut winner going into the penultimate match of the BT Premiership.
Not that it matters, I hear you grumble, since whoever wins after the regular season’s 18 games then goes into the lottery of the play- offs.
True, but a home tie in the play- offs is a massive boost and along with a cup draw which for once favoured Ayr, all of a sudden a season which had gone from full bore through the autumn to puttering along in the winter looks like now springing back into vibrant life.
First up, Glasgow Hawks at Old Anniesland on Saturday for a match with huge consequences for both sides.
A win for Ayr and they are guaranteed at least second spot in the league and a home play- off.
If Hawks take the points, then they close in, leaving Ayr having to win the final regular season game against Watsonians at Millbrae on February 18 to ensure that place in the play- offs.
So how did Ayr captain Pete McCallum view the upcoming weeks?
McCallum said: “On Saturday, we have to start against Hawks the way we want to play and stick to our game plan because it is a crucial match for both sides.
“We know each other really well but there is a huge incentive for us in that a win guarantees home advantage in the play- off.
“After that, it is a case of a bit of revenge against Watsonians after what happened at Myreside.”
There is another match of some significance looming for the Ayr No 8.
“On Friday, February 24, the Scottish Club International side take on England Counties at Moseley and we are hoping that Ayr will have a significant number of players involved.
“We won against the English last season and it would be great to do it again on English soil.”
Meanwhile, Ayr have been drawn at home to National League One side Jed- Forest in the quarter- finals of the BT Cup on Saturday, March 4. The winners will have a home draw against either Hawks or Gala.
McCallum said: “Jed are a useful outfit but again there is a massive incentive to get the win to be back at Millbrae for the semi- final on March 25.
“We have a lot of important games in the next few weeks but if we are going to get to where we want to be, those are the games we have to win.”
Ayr ladies have been drawn away to RHC Cougars – their league opponents at Millbrae on Sunday ( 2pm) – in the quarter- final of the Sarah Beaney Cup on Sunday, March 26.
Winners are at home to Cartha Queen’s Park or Hillhead Jordanhill in the semi- finals a week later.
Buses are leaving Millbrae on Friday as a big support heads to BT Murrayfield to cheer on Ayr youngsters in their chase for a glory double in the National Youth League Cups.
Ayr face Hawick Albion in the Under 16 Cup final at 5.30pm.
That’s followed at 7.30pm by Ayr against Stirling County in the final of the Under 18 Cup.
... it is a case of a bit of revenge against Watsonians after what happened at Myreside.
Pete McCallum