DEFIANT Marr Rugby head coach Craig Redpath is not giving up hope his side can beat the drop, despite another weekend defeat.

The Troon side went down 33-22 against bitter rivals Ayr at Millbrae to leave them bottom of the BT Premiership. They are two points behind Boroughmuir, who have two games in hand.

Despite Saturday's defeat they earned a bonus point and the coach was impressed with the way his side battled after they had run Ayr close in the first meeting of the teams in almost four decades at Fullarton Park in October.

Redpath said: "I can take positives from how we played against Ayr, it was a close game, it's just unfortunate we didn't win but I can't fault the work rate of the players.

Next to roll up at Fullarton Park on Saturday are his former side and the runaway leaders, Melrose. But this game does not faze Redpath, who said: "Melrose are in great form and at the top of the league, they are a very good side. But we have to be positive and believe that we can win the match. There's no point in being negative, you just shouldn't turn up if you don't believe you can win."

Following the weekend match, Marr have a week off before again hosting Melrose, this time in the BT Cup on Saturday, February 10.

They then visit Currie and host Stirling in the final two league matches.

Redpath added: "We will take each game at a time. The first aim is to make sure we take something from Saturday and then we will see where we are and take it from there. We will have a chance to stay up and will keep battling away."