AYR faced their toughest test yet in the BT Premiership with a trip to Heriot’s and came away with a bonus-point win to top the league.

With Heriot’s last year’s BT Premiership winners and undefeated so far this season, and Ayr’s stuttering form recently, it was expected to be a close call at Goldenacre. It was the hosts who got off to the better start with two penalties kicked by scrum-half Graham Wilson.

With Ayr struggling with the might of Heriot’s scrum and having a few dodgy throws at the line-out, the prospects weren’t great until winger Cameron Taylor charged down a clearance kick in Heriot’s twenty-two and dived on the ball over the try-line. Frazier Climo converted his first of two, as well as a later first half penalty, before going off injured.

It was neck-and-neck throughout the entire match and when one team scored, it wasn’t long until the other got some points on the board. Heriot’s electric full-back Charles Simpson pushed his team back in front with a converted try.

Ayr then again led by a point after a converted try under the posts by scrum-half Ali Price which was a collective effort. Price had a kick charged down, but prop Steven Longwell sprang on the ball and released flanker Blair Macpherson, who shot off on an unhindered run into Heriot’s half and passed to Price.

Climo’s penalty gave Ayr a four-point cushion but it was snuffed out by a Harry Boisseau try just before half-time.

At the resumption, Ayr didn’t go for broke. They were calm and collected, and had measured reactions when they made errors. It was this composure that led to tries by Longwell and Macpherson.

The prop’s score came from a period of patience from the visitors, whilst Macpherson leapt on a stray ball at a Heriot’s line-out to bash his way over. Man of the match Ross Curle, who’s really settled into his role as captain, took on the kicking and got one conversion.

It wasn’t over yet as Heriot’s second row Russell Nimmo grabbed a try that Wilson couldn’t convert. The home side, who have a well-earned reputation as great try-scorers, couldn’t get any further points as Ayr closed down every attacking attempt. A combination of basic errors by Heriot’s, their failure to capitalise on Ayr’s mistakes and the visitors’ ability to maintain clear heads under pressure led to the victory.

Ayr’s forwards can give themselves a pat on the back for their steady play, the young front row of Longwell, his fellow prop Javan Sebastian and hooker James Malcolm – as well as replacement prop George Hunter – again impressing. Pete McCallum continues to grow in stature in the back row, his size belying his turn of pace.

Head coach Calum Forrester, celebrating his birthday, was happy to see his troops play the way he knew they could: “This was the fullest performance they’ve put in this season. They closed the game out brilliantly.” Ayr lead the BT Premiership by just a point. Melrose are snapping at their heels, and Boroughmuir and Heriot’s –both with a game in hand – are a point behind the Borderers. When they get back to business on Saturday, October 17 against Currie at Millbrae, they will be fighting to stay atop the tree.

It was another difficult afternoon for Ayr 2nd XV, who were beaten 30-19 by their Heriot’s counterparts. But Millbrae RFC continued their winning run wit h a 34-26 win over Lanark. Ayr Ladies capped a good weekend with a 50-19 victory against Glasgow University.