Beary settles to life in Burns Country
You’d be mistaken for thinking 23-year old Tyler Beary was kiwi through-and-through when he travelled from New Zealand to Ayr for the start of the FOSROC Super6 season. His foreign twang mixed with hard-nosed running ability and crafty skill-set in the midfield impersonated many of the names associated to “the Land of the Long White Cloud”.
Pic: Beary crosses white wash for the Ayrshire Bulls first ever score (SNS/SRU)
You’d be wrong. His story began in the rival nation of South Africa, where he was born to a South African mother and Irish father. As a baby they moved to Cork, where he grew up watching the likes of O’Driscoll over Umaga. It wasn’t until he was ten years old that he moved to New Zealand and started to kick-on at rugby: “I first picked up a ball at Crosshaven RFC in Cork, I think I played one game when I was very small but I didn’t play again, I was into my football. It was when I moved to New Zealand I got really stuck into it”.
After five years playing, and studying, at Otago University Tyler decided the time was right to start looking back north. Equipped with a degree in Economics and Management, he started to put the feelers out: “I knew I wanted to come back to Europe, and I wanted to do that through rugby… I got a few offers across England, Scotland and Italy and decided the Bulls gave me the best chance to progress”.
He took the plunge into the unknown, deciding the Ayrshire Bulls were the best fit and has seamlessly integrated to life in Ayr: “I’m surrounded by a great bunch of lads. We are having a lot of fun.
“It is a fantastic little town”.
The camaraderie of the group is personified by where he spent his Christmas. Too far to travel home, he still managed a shorter flight south to the isle of Jersey with his kiwi midfield partner Tom Jordan. The pair sought refuge with teammate Ewan Davies and his family, who welcomed the boys over the festive period: “We really enjoyed ourselves and Ewan’s mum Sue took great care of us… her Brussel sprouts were phenomenal”.
Tyler is getting used to adapting to things. From accents and the pace of speech to the style of play on the pitch: “It is very forward dominating so I’m adjusting my play. It is a bit more crash ‘n’ bash than I’m used to but hopefully with the weather getting better we can start to throw the ball around a little more and have fun”.
It is an unprecedentedly short season, with Tyler having to find his feet quickly. Just six games in and already we are reaching the business end of domestic competition. With it all heating up there is only one thing on his mind:
“The goal is to win it all”.
Tyler and the Bulls have a training game this Saturday against Scotland U20s, before returning to Super6 action next weekend away to Watsonians.
You can catch them at Millbrae on Sunday 26th of January when they host Southern Knights in their final regular-season home game. Secure your tickets below…
The Bulls topple top seed Watsonians
The Ayrshire Bulls signed off 2019 with a narrow victory over FOSROC Super6 leaders Watsonians, to join them at the top of the pile.
A slow start saw Peter Murchie’s men ‘nilled at the break, but a change in momentum in the second half secured a 19-13 victory in front of a rocking Millbrae.
On final whistle Peter Murchie was full of praise for his opposition and admitted they were the better side over the first 40 minutes: “Watsonians were good. We had a lot of territory and a lot of possession… but every time they got to our 22 they came away with points.
“That was the difference, they were clinical, and we weren’t – and part of that was because they defended really well”.
The Bulls’ first points of the afternoon came courtesy of a try-line intercept, one which if young Ollie Smith didn’t make they’d have been looking at a 15, maybe 17, point deficit.
Murchie didn’t play down the importance of that moment: “It was a massive momentum swing, from defending on our line to getting a try… It was a large part as to why we won the game”.
Ollie Smith’s heroics alongside a disruptive full-eighty for the full back earned him FOSROC Man of the Match honours.
The score set them on their way, and a penalty try twelve minutes later put the Bulls in front. After repeat infringements at a scrum five the Bulls pack managed to muscle Watsonians over their try line. As the front row collapsed referee Mike Adamson’s hand waived for the score to make it 12-10.
It was a lead short lived, with Lee Millar executing from the tee minutes later for a one-point lead.
Despite the three-point swing the Bulls stayed in control, and when a Danny McCluskey break put them in touching distance, they managed to regain the lead. Another scrum five, this time the Watsonians pack stayed in the air but couldn’t halt Blair Macpherson who picked up from the base and dived over. Ross Thompson concluded scoring from the tee.
It could have all been different. As the full-time claxon echoed around Millbrae Watsonians earned a penalty and kicked for the corner. A few penalties later and the visitors looked to have muscled over, but the Bulls held up to secure victory. A moment of confusion engulfed the crowd, but Mike Adamson dismissed any doubt of an illegal collapse of the maul and called time.
FULL-TIME: Ayrshire Bulls 19-13 Watsonians Rugby.
The two sides now go into the break tied on 23, sharing Christmas top spot.
Murchie Names his Bulls to sign-off 2019
Ayrshire Bulls Head Coach Peter Murchie has named a strong side for what will be their last outing of 2019.
Going by the original schedule the Bulls would have already been enjoying the festivities, but a frozen pitch a few weeks ago pushed back this top-of-the-table clash against Watsonians Rugby. The Edinburgh-based side are undefeated so far in FOSROC Super6 action, and will be looking for similar fortunes tomorrow at Millbrae.
The two sides butted heads back in November in a pre-season friendly at Myreside. Despite the Bulls inching victory, neither side will take much from that run-out.
Peter Murchie has named a balanced back-line, with the only change Craig Gossman in for Tom Lewis. In the pack a re-vamped front-row sees Lewis Anderson and Ruairidh Sayce both earn their first starts as Bulls at two and three respectively.
In the back-row skipper Peter McCallum returns to replace George Bordill, who misses out through illness. Gavin Wilson starts over Graham Geldenhuys to also bag a first start.
Sam Kitchen is named on the bench alongside Nico Griffiths. Frazier Climo is rested, with Tyler Beary coming in. Glasgow Warriors and Scotland wing Lee Jones is released through the pro-draft to complete the replacements.
The game kicks-off at 15.00 at Millbrae and you can follow the action live on Twitter @AyrshireBulls.
Defence Key in Bulls Victory
The Ayrshire Bulls cruised to a five-point victory on Saturday over Stirling County at a packed-out Millbrae.
It was pack muscle that ruled the roost, with the Bulls forwards leading the charge to a 30-8 win.
It was pack muscle that ruled the roost, with the Bulls forwards leading the charge to a 30-8 win.Speaking at final whistle, head coach Peter Murchie admitted that a bonus-point wasn’t on his mind at half time, with the game neck-in-neck at 10-8: “We didn’t play as well as we liked in the first half… In the second I thought we were excellent in terms of the way we approached the game.
“We had a lot more intensity to us”.
As a whole, Peter was delighted with the style in which his men secured victory: “There was some excellent bits of play. A few tip-ons from the forwards and offloads from the backs.
“It was quite difficult handling conditions, so I am obviously pleased with the skill level”.
Once the Bulls found their feet it looked like nothing would stop them – not even a local power-outage in Alloway which saw the game plunged into darkness at half-time. Thankfully, the floodlights flickered back on just as the last of the daylight shimmered away.
The Bulls scores came through Blair Macpherson, Ollie Smith and a Sam Kitchen brace. Ross Thompson Added the extras from the kicking tee.The Bulls now welcome Watsonians to Millbrae this Saturday in a rearranged fixture from the match called-off a few weeks ago. The action gets underway at 15.00.
Weekend Roundup
The Ayrshire Bulls managed to scrape victory over Stirling County at Bridgehaugh, battling the elements as much the opposition. The rain did its' best to deter any attacking rugby, but the Bulls managed to muster a solo try and penalty to secure a 0-8 victory.
Speaking afterwards, Peter Murchie was happy with how his men managed the conditions: "We learnt a lot. We learnt that guys are willing to dig in for each other.
"We have got guts".
A Ross Thompson penalty was the only difference for majority of the match, before Nico Griffiths sealed the win with a score with five left to play. The ball spewed out the back of a ruck on County's try-line for the prop to dive over and get a palm on the ball.
Ross Thompson was named FOSROC Man of the Match.
It was similar fortunes for the Club XV yesterday, who secured victory over Boroughmuir at Millbrae. A 26-12 victory got Stuart Fenwick's men back on track after a disappointing month of November.
At the final whistle, Stuart said: "This feels much better. The spirit amongst the boys has been good as well, it is a big weight off their shoulders getting that win.
"It would have been really easy to batten down the hatches in those conditions but we stuck to our game plan and continued to play rugby".
Matt Donaldson was named Slaters Menswear Man of the Match.
Ayr/Millbrae also found victory, toppling Glasgow Accies 19-7 on the 2s pitch.
The Ladies fell earlier today to Cartha in the Tennent's Premiership Play-offs. Despite a close first half, with Cartha leading 7-0 at the break, the hosts broke away to secure a 33-0 win and league safety. The Ladies will now face Heriots next week in a relegation shootout. Match details to follow.
Climo Energised by life as a Bull
One of the main traits of the FOSROC Super6 was its' promise to provide a platform for young up-and-comers, but seasoned vet Frazier Climo is relishing life in the new competition.
Pic: Climo bags the Ayrshire Bulls' first ever points (SNS/SRU)
Whether you're from Scotland's west coast or reside in the shadow of Mt. Taranaki, those in rugby circles will have heard his name. The Ayr RFC stalwart has enjoyed a career both sides of the equator. A New Plymouth product, the fly-half has turned out for Mitre 10 side Taranki as-well as Scarlets in the Pro14, with his Ayr career falling either side.
"What we achieved in my first spell at Ayr sent me on my way, and to come back a good few years later and do it all again felt great".
Now a proud Killie native, with wife Shelly and kids Mila and Luke, the 32-year old is showing no sign in slowing. His touchline, injury-time, winner in this year's Scottish Cup final instantly etched into club folklore - and he plans for more of the same in the inaugural FOSROC Super6 season: "The great thing about this club is every year we want top spot. Ayr built up a reputation to be in with a shout season-after-season, and the Bulls will be no different.
"We are starting to hit our stride after a disappointing round one. We have a lot of new faces and a lot of talent, so we are clicking better every time out on the field".
Thirsty work - Climo is reprising his beloved 'Taradise' colours this season, wearing the new Whiteleys retreat charity Bulls jersey. Available to buy- Click here! (Photo - George McMillan//Ayrshire Bulls)
Now in the later stages of his playing career, Climo is involved in Peter Murchie's coaching set-up, alongside working full-time as a Development Officer for the Ayr Community Rugby Trust.
"I get a real kick out of coaching, and I get a lot out of heading up the Ayr Senior Academy. These guys are in their final years before adult rugby, so it is all about maximising their potential.
"We have a strong spine at Ayr RFC, and even more so now with the club XV there's great opportunities for youngsters to kick on straight out of U18s".
The fly-half is taking one game at a time, and is looking forward the the challenge Watsonian Rugby will bring when they travel to Millbrae this Saturday: "We played them in pre-season so know a bit about them, but I'm sure this Saturday's game will be unrecognisable to that runaround.
"They are top of the Super6 for a reason so we will be wary, but I know the Bulls will be firing come kick-off".
The match kicks-off at 15.00 and you can secure your tickets below:
Bulls Charge to Five Points at the Greenyards
The Ayrshire Bulls bagged their second win on the bounce on Saturday with an emphatic 10-29 victory over Southern Knights at the Greenyards.
It was a slow starter, with the teams locked horns at 3-3 after 35 minutes before two scores in quick succession sent the Bulls on their way.
On the full-time whistle Head Coach Peter Murchie was elated with his sides performance: “I’m really happy to come down to the Southern Knights and get five points.
“The Knights gave away a lot of penalties in the first half and that gave us field position. We were frustrated we weren’t taking opportunities… we then managed to get one, then a yellow card (to the knights), then we executed a good backline play so went in with a fairly healthy lead”.
Scotland U20s star Ross Thompson, who was selected over club stalwart Frazier Climo to start, was named FOSROC Man of the Match after a 14-point haul. Peter Murchie was delighted with his performance: “We need to give guys opportunities. We have a 35-man squad… He has done well off the bench in the first two games and we gave him an opportunity tonight.
“He did well, managed the game well in the first half and scored a good try”.
The 3-3 stalemate was broken on the 37th minute by Sam Kitchen, who barrelled over from the back of a rolling maul. Thompson converted before adding a score of his own a minute later.
The fly-half palmed off his opposite number to spring through the line and finish masterfully. He added the extras for good measure, too.
Half-time: Southern Knights 3-17 Ayrshire Bulls.
The hosts struck first after the break with Russell Anderson dotting down in similar style to Kitchen’s earlier effort. Jason Baggott slotted the conversion to make it 10-17.
The Bulls’ hooker wasn’t done yet and stretched the lead on the 55th minute. Once again latching onto the back of the maul, this time kitchen broke off on a solo run. He dived clear in the corner, unphased by his trademark red scrum-cap being ripped off on the charge.
The final try for Ayr came courtesy of Glasgow Warrior Stafford McDowall, who charged down a kick in the 22, gathered and ran home. Thompson poetically ended the scoring with the conversion.
Full-Time: Southern Knights 10-29 Ayrshire Bulls.
It was different fortunes for the Club XV, who struggled to get going against Heriots Blues, losing 38-0.
Watch Japan v Scotland at Millbrae
Join us at Millbrae this Sunday as we cheer on Gordy and the rest of the Scotland team when they play RWC hosts Japan.
It is quite simply the biggest game in four years for Scotland, as they look to qualify for the knockout stages of Rugby's marquee event.
Join us from half 11 for full coverage, a finger buffet and Ayr Ladies Q&A.
Afterwards, the Ladies take on Stirling ladies in a massive match in the Woman's Premiership.
It is £10 a ticket and you can book your place by either emailing info@ayrrugbyclub or phoning Liz on 07968205024. We urge anyone planning on coming to book in advance so we have an idea of numbers for food.
Murchie names his full squad list
In an action-packed day on Twitter and Instagram, Ayr Rugby unveiled their remaining Ayrshire Bulls players - with two being announced every hour on the hour.
The day kick-started at 10 am with the news that Ayr Rugby centurion Craig Gossman will be plying his trade with the Bulls this season. The winger was a fan favourite at Millbrae during his seven-year stint but headed east to Boroughmuir last year. Alongside the Scotland Club regular was Glasgow Hawks second-row Fraser Hastie, who will also join the Ayrshire Bulls.
It was a double-serving of young props at 11 am, with GHA's Michael Scott being unveiled beside Ewan Davies, who joins from Jersey Reds in the Greene King IPA Championship. Aged at 22 and 20 respectively, the two have a bright future at Millbrae in front of them.
Midday saw Ayr Academy product Cam Reece announced alongside Outside Back Tom Lewis, who joins from Durham University RFC.
13.00 welcomed Argentine prop Nicolas Griffiths from Club Alcobendas Rugby and Gavin Wilson from Glasgow Hawks. A 19-year old back-row, Wilson is a product of Dumfries Saints and will represent the south-west coast of Scotland as a Bull.
At 14.00 Ayr Club XV centre James Pinkerton was announced alongside Fosroc Academy Stage 3 prospect Rory Jackson, who plays in the engine-room.
The final announcement revealed that Scotland U20s star Matt Davidson will be returning to Millbrae after a year in the Greene King IPA Championship with London Scottish. Alongside Davidson was utility back Tom Jordan, who joins from Waikato Rugby in New Zealand.
"I am delighted to have announced the final signings of the 35-man squad" insists Peter Murchie, "We have a really talented squad together and have been working hard for a number of weeks now.
"It is a really exciting opportunity the players have got, so they are doing everything they can to make sure we are successful".
Four More Bulls Enter the Ring...
This evening Peter Murchie has bolstered his squad with the inclusion of two familiar and two fresh faces.
Leading the way is Ayr Rugby's most decorated player of all time, Grant Anderson, alongside club favorite Danny McCluskey.
Joining from further afield is outside back Chester Duff, who joins from Leeds Becket University, and Sam Kitchen, from North Suburbs RFC (Sydney)
Pic: Danny McCluskey weaving through Hawks defences.
McCluskey and Anderson both need no introduction to the Millbrae Faithful.
Anderson is the stand-alone man to have won four Scottish Cups and four Premiership titles in his ten-year career at Ayr.
"Grant is one of the, if not the, most successful club player of all time". Insists Murchie, "One of his best attributes is his competitive edge and will to win".
McCluskey is a home-grown talent and the embodiment of the Ayr Rugby system. His talent in both attack and defence has been a key trait of the 1st XV over the past few years.
"He is a real modern-day centre. He can catch, pass, run and tackle at a high level".
"He was one of our most consistent performers in the double team last year".
22-year old Duff joins from Leeds Becket University and is comfortable on both the wing and at full-back. He is Scottish-qualified through his grandparents.
Hooker Sam Kitchen joins from Shute Shield side Nothern Suburbs in Australia. He has also played for the Sydney Rays in the National Rugby Championship.
Speaking of his two new faces, head coach Peter Murchie said: "Chester is a strong, powerful winger who knows his way to the line. He had a really successful season last year at Leeds Beckett, reaching the Bucs Super Rugby Final.
"Sam has been a regular performer in the Shute Shield and has previously won the competition. He has a strong set-piece and great skillset which will suit our style of play.
"I am delighted the two have decided to join the Bulls".