ARDROSSAN Accies Minis and Micros enjoyed a late-season rugby tournament at Bishopton RFC on Sunday.

Warm weather and a firm pitch meant that running rugby was on the menu for all of the attending teams - Ardrossan, Bishopton, Cartha, Garnock and GHK.

With more than 300 players, parents and coaches in attendance, there was a fantastic, family friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy.

The Micros played matches against Garnock, Cartha and Bishopton.

Once again the little ones showed boundless enthusiasm and a willingness to run the ball from anywhere on the park. They withstood the burden of a heavy defeat in the first match and showed the tenacity to bounce back in match two. Their speed, passing and defence improved dramatically, much to the delight of their coaches.

Match three ended in a draw, leaving the squad reasonably happy with their efforts on the day. The P3 star of the day was the evasive Logan Brodie, Harry Monaghan in P2 had a cracker of a game earning the star of the day award for his performance. In P1, newcomer Lucas Thomson was a bundle of energy and enthusiasm, deservedly earning the star of the day award for his hard work.

P4 enjoyed four matches against Bishopton, Cartha, GHK and finally Garnock. They produced some wonderful performances, tirelessly working in defence throughout the day whilst allowing their attacking flair to come to the fore given the chance. Stars of the day were the speedy Calum Monaghan in game one, the defensive rock Logan O’Moore in game two and the lively Olive Forbes in game three.

In game four, Finlay Brotherston impressed with a strong all-round performance and wonderfully taken first try for the Accies. Coaches Greg Walton and Barry Brotherston were delighted with the team’s efforts.

P5 were also on song, with some mesmerising rugby shown to the spectators.

They played Bishopton in match one, carving up the defence with their skilful handling and sublime angles of running. Accies emerged comfortable victors with Lachlan Davis really shining as star of the day. Their second match against Cartha RFC was more abrasive, ultimately leading to a convincing victory, based on sound defence.

The cornerstone of that defence was returning player Julia Hogarth – who felled the opposition runners like a demented lumberjack - wowing the crowd with every tackle. Julia took the star of the day award in game two. Game three was another full-blooded affair with the try count running into double figures for both teams. GHK pipped the Accies by a score to claim the match. Another new player, Calum Barton produced some brilliant tackles to earn star of the day for the final game, delighting spectators from both teams with his debut performance.

P6/7 enjoyed three swashbuckling encounters with Bishopton, GHA and Garnock. Game one saw Aedan Finnigan at his tough-tackling best. The star of the day also showed his attacking prowess, bagging two tries despite the team losing 3-2.

In game two, Dylan Finnigan was practically unstoppable on the charge, leading the Accies to a solid victory.

In the final match, the Accies boys and girls had to step up their defence as the opposition threw everything they had. Lochay Forbes and Seamus Gallanach threw themselves bravely into every tackle, refusing to give an inch. Both players shared the final star of the day award, but even their heroics couldn’t avoid a defeat. However, with each Accies player putting in 100% effort, they walked away a proud team after the final whistle.