Third time lucky for Dundee

Dundee High Rugby faced Ayr for the third time since the start of the season – this time in the Tennents National 1.

The Mayfield side lost their cup-tie 18-17 at home then went down 45-18 at Millbrae, so with their record going into the game of one win from 13 starts and isolated at the bottom of the table, things looked less than hopeful.

Performances have been improving though, with their solitary win coming a fortnight ago against Watsonians and a heartening display against Boroughmuir last week, so when they made it third time lucky against Ayr it hints that things may well be on the turn for Colin Sangster’s troops.

Ayr went ahead thanks to a Cameron Young try before Kieran Scoular slotted a penalty for the home side, who ran in their first try at the end of the first quarter, Danny McGinn’s strike and Scoular’s conversion taking them into a lead they were not about to relinquish.

On the half hour mark, Cailean Chalmers notched a second try, Scoular again potted the conversion and Dundee went into the break 17-5 ahead.

Sean Gould’s score early in the second period was converted by Scoular but two minutes later Tom Lanni’s try – converted by Andy Morrison – brought the score to 24-12.

Scoular stretched Dundee’s lead with a penalty before Harry Mercer ran in try number four to clinch victory and with it the try bonus.

Andy Morrison converted his own try for Ayr in the final minute but 32-19 looks a convincing enough win for Dundee to build on going into the new year.

They face leaders Biggar on January 11.