Jersey RFC vs Ayr RFC. British and Irish Cup

Ayr Rugby Football Club

Founded: 1897

Home Ground: Millbrae

Head Coach: Peter Laverie

Last season: Champions, Scottish Cup Winners

 

A brief history:

 

Despite being founded well over a century ago, it wasn’t until 2008/09 that Ayr won the Premier One Championship for the first time. This was followed by more success in the Scottish cup competition, again for the first time in 2010 and they were unlucky not to repeat the league win the following season where they won the Scottish Cup for the second time. They actually began in the second division when the national leagues were established in 1973. They gained promotion to the top flight in 1984 and played there for six out of seven seasons before an absence of seven years. Promotion in 2003 put Ayr back in the top league and they have remained there ever since. The first and only Scottish side to reach the quarter finals of the British and Irish Cup in its second season 2010/11, where they lost narrowly to Bristol, they have not managed to get out of their group since. Their record in the three seasons they have competed is mixed, seven wins six defeats and one draw in group matches, but it is interesting to note that against the English sides Ayr’s record is fearsome. Six wins and a draw from eight group matches is not to be sniffed at, and shows that they really do raise their game against the old foe from down south. Head coach Peter Laverie emphasised this by saying:  ‘The players love it (cup competition) it’s a bit different away from the rigours of the league. The players lift their game; it’s healthy to have a good Scottish English rivalry.’

 

 

Last Season:

 

2012/13 was the most successful in the history of Ayr Rugby Club. Having lost out on their place in the British and Irish Cup, the emphasis was upon the management team to regain their place at the top of the Scottish game. They took ownership of a new trophy early in the season, the Bill McLaren Shield for winning at home, and did not relinquish this all season, remaining undefeated at home. They actually only lost one game all season, but despite this it was one of the tightest league battles with Gala, and it was only decided after the penultimate game of the season. Having been defeated in the Scottish Cup final by Gala the previous season, they again reached the final, before going on to complete a league and cup double by beating Melrose in extra time. This was their third cup win in four seasons. Melrose was actually ahead until the final play of the match. Ayr went through 25 phases and into the fourth minute after the end of extra time, when the play was spun right to left and Cammy Taylor dove over spectacularly in the corner for a remarkable 28-25 win.

 

The season so far:

 

Ayr are currently sitting in fourth place after six wins in the first eight matches,  scoring 25 tries in the process, albeit only three points from leaders Melrose. The champions with new head coach Peter Laverie taking over at the helm; began in good form with a four try bonus point win over Stirling County, before Melrose avenged last season’s cup final defeat by winning 33-11 at Millbrae. Five tries and a shut out condemned Currie, before a single point loss to Heriots Rugby club, despite outscoring them three tries to two. This was their last reverse however as three straight wins including away wins against Aberdeen and Glasgow Hawks; have put aside the early season wobbles.  They have the best defensive record in the division, only conceding 124 points, and this was emphasised in a 48-10, six try thumping of Hawick last Sunday.

 

Back at St Peter, Jersey really do have nothing to fear after a start to the season that has made many sit up and take note. Last Sundays win away at Nottingham may have looked close on the scoreboard but the dominance Jersey showed, especially in the now vaunted forward pack, they are not to be underestimated. Ben Harvey may make several changes to his side to give some of the fringe players some game time, but those coming in will be eager to make an impression and take their chances to put pressure on those who have established themselves already this season.

 

Who to look out for:

 

Name: Robbie Fergusson
Age: 20
Height: 5'11" 
Weight: 13st 7lb
Position: Centre 

Fergusson is a local boy and is one of several to benefit from Ayr's dedicated youth system.  He has represented Scotland at under-20 level having progressed through other age groups also.  He is extremely fast and this has contributed to him scoring four tries so far this season.
 

Name: Craig Gossman

Age: 24
Height: 5'8"
Weight: 11st 13lb 
Position: Wing

Gossy joined Ayr from Glasgow Hawks last season having represented Scotland at club international level.  He makes a formidable double-act on the wing with his younger brother Kerr.  Fleet of foot, he is also a ferocious tackler, despite his small stature. Having already crossed the try line on four occasions he will be looking to add to that tally at St Peter.
 

Name: Denford Mutamangira

Age: 29
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 18st 1lb
Position: Prop

Denford is a Zimbabwean international player who joined Ayr half-way through the 2011/2012 season making an immediate impact. Equally comfortable at tight-head or loose he brings enormous power to the scrum. Last season he fast became a fan favourite with his trademark bulldozing runs, weighing in with the occasional try.
 

Name: Scott Sutherland

Age: 28
Height: 6'6”
Weight: 18st 1lb
Position: Second row

 

In excellent form this term, Sutherland was August/Septembers player of the month, as voted for by the fans. One of the longest serving players at the club, he is in his eighth season with Ayr. Known for his proficiency at the line-out and skilled handling in the loose, he will be pivotal for Ayr should they gain the ascendancy over Jerseys’ mighty pack.  He has represented Scotland at club international level.