Nov
23
Magic 2s v Ayr 2s
By Briony Moore
A fresh, bright morning at Meggetland and an early Kick Off on the main pitch for the Magic 2s meant that Ayr had a very early start to get to Edinburgh but that is just the way the cookie crumbles for re-arranged league fixtures.
Even with this early start and weather that the west coast is not akin to, Ayr definitely had a hunger in their eyes and a will to win.
13mins in and they broke through some poor defence for the full back to create a 2 on 1 with Armstrong who could not really do anything other than make a decision on which defender to take.
Unfortunately wrong decision and 7-0 down.
From the ensuing kick-off Ayr cleared their lines and Muir attacked form their own 22m area. With some good control and clever forwards play they got right up to the Ayr 10m line where a silly error turned ball over and Ayr raced the length of the field linking two passes and over they went for a 14-0 lead 17mins in.
On the 25miniute mark and other bit of pressure from the big Ayr pack saw them gather momentum and release some pace in their backs and Muir were looking like it was them who just had a 2hour travel to play a game.
Half time and 21-0 down but not a score line whereby the game was over by any means. The coaches took the players into the sheds for a much needed discussion about how they felt that they had played and the players themselves again knew what was needing done.
5 changes at half time saw a refreshed and new look team come out battling. This showed after some great work in the pack to get the ball to the 5m line. A number of phases later and 5 points on the board saw a rejuvenated team much more energetic and enthused.
The first 20-25minutes of the second half was all Muir but they never seemed to get a break and cross the whitewash. Johnson at 9 was lively as ever and with Cannie at 10 the control, experience and leadership was benefiting the team.
27 mind into the half and Johnson found a gap beating a couple of defenders again but unfortunately the back-up was not quick enough to get to him. Welsh and Armstrong latched onto a Cannie kick putting the Ayr winger under pressure and forced him into touch.
Lineout secured and driven saw a turnover and Muir turned again. Ayr were not here to let Muir run at them and once more they released their back line and 31mins in made it 28-5 and the game all over bar the fat lady singing.
To be fair Muir certainly never gave up and proved that they can fight for things but a yellow card for Kay made it a little more difficult.
On the day Ayr were the better team but Muir did come out in the second half and looked like a team that had a point to prove. A lot for the coaches and players to work on and with a few more experienced players and injured players returning to the squad might just creep up the table as the season progresses.
Final Score 5 - 28
