Callum Kerr @ Millbrae
This evening the Ayrshire Bulls kept their undefeated home record intact with a comprehensive 26-0 victory over Stirling Wolves. With weather ghastly, not many expected a free-flowing game, but both sides showed swashbuckling prowess in attack in spells. In the end, it was the grunt of the Bulls’ pack that kept them with the foot on the gas.
(Photo – George McMillan)
It was Typhoon-like conditions in Burns country all week building to the match. But the pitch held up and the rain subsided just in time for kick-off.
Stirling won a handful of early penalty, but the bulls were able to convert on their first offering. An uncharacteristic pass from Jordan Lenac put Andy Stirrat under-pressure but the centre managed to carry through contact and put the Wolves in reverse. From there, a crafty chip from Ollie Smith dinks the ball into the try zone for Aaron Tait to score. Ross Thompson adds the extras.
It wasn’t long before the Bulls – and Tait – doubled up. A handful of carries from the pack managed to swallow a few Stirling players, before Ross Thompson took full advantage with a cross-field kick for Aaron Tait to collect and bag his second.
Half-time: Ayrshire Bulls 12-0 Stirling County
The break didn’t cool off the Bulls and they came out firing after the break. A carving run from Ross Thompson all but put him over. Blair Macpherson left no doubt in the following carry. Thomson converted to make it a 19-0 lead after 50 minutes.
The bonus came with five to play. From the base of a scrum Sione Vialanu charged towards the line. Brought down short, Blair Macpherson replicated his first score to get over. Richie Simpson made it 26-0.
Full-time: Ayrshire Bulls 26-0 Stirling Wolves
Aaron Tait’s electric pace and brace put him in the conversation for FOSROC Player of the Match, but co-commentator Robbie Fergusson selected Alex Samuel for a brawling performance in the engine room. Conditions hampered much of the loose play at Samuel’s steady target in the line-out proved a potent weapon for the Bulls.