Ayr raising their game as winning run is extended

Heriot’s 15, Ayr 33

Ayr extended their winning run to three matches and heaped further misery on Heriot’s, who have now suffered a string of five defeats, writes Colin Renton.

Both sides made a commendable effort to play expansive rugby in difficult conditions, but it was the visitors who adapted best to a slippery ball and merited their five points.

A penalty by Sylvain Diez opened the scoring in the fifth minute, and the Frenchman nudged the score along with a second kick before adding the conversion after Josh Dunning had crashed over for the first try of the game.

And the visitors extended their lead in 28 minutes when Mark Stewart plunged over for a converted score following another spell of sustained pressure.

However, Heriot’s belatedly raised their game and by the break had clawed their way back into the contest – Colin Goudie racing in at the corner for a try then Graham Wilson stroking over a penalty.

Ayr restarted at a furious clip and further tries from Grant Anderson and Robbie Fergusson secured the bonus point before the hour was up. To their credit, Heriot’s finished with a flourish and they were rewarded with a try from Robin Cessford – Goudie’s conversion completing the scoring.