ARDROSSAN Accies Minis and Micros enjoyed a busy weekend of rugby as firstly P7 had the honour of playing in the pre-match tournament at the Glasgow Warriors home fixture against South African outfit Southern Kings on Friday.

Then 48 hours later, barely a chance to recover the entire Minis and Micro section played a home fixture against the biggest club in Ayrshire – the mighty Ayr RFC, who won the Premiership title last season.

Events kicked off on Friday with P7 players taking to the field at the Warriors’ Scotstoun stadium in a four-team tournament.

Game One saw the Accies take on Coatbridge’s Waysider/Drumpellier in a fast, free-flowing display of running rugby.

Some clever use of the wide spaces allowed the Accies to outpace their opposition en-route to the try line, eventually winning the game by a few scores. Game 2 against Borders team Biggar RFC was a much more attritional affair, with the opposition sending their big runners into the heart of the Accies defence. Despite a committed performance, they went down by three tries to one, but still had it all to play for in their final match against Loch Lomond RFC. Game three started with a bang, thanks to the star of the day Lee Adams menacing charges into the would-be tacklers.

Scoring the first try raised the Accies' hopes not-to mention their intensity and tenacity.

Loch Lomond’s huge team struck back with and equaliser followed by another score to take the lead. With barely a minute on the clock and a place in the final during half time of the Warriors match almost within their grasp, the youngsters threw everything into the game, desperately trying to snatch the equaliser and chance of glory in front of 7,500 passionate spectators. However, one loose pass from an Accies hand was enough to tip the balance in favour of Loch Lomand who gleefully pounced on the mistake and scored a third and decisive try at the death. Crestfallen, tearful and with nothing left in the tanks, the Accies players left the field having earned the respect of their opposition and the heartfelt plaudits of their parents and coaches.

Sunday saw the Memorial Field burst into life as Ayr RFC’s army of players and parents marched in, ready for full card of fixtures in the crisp, autumn weather.

The Micros (Nursery to P3) split into two squads and took on Ayr’s P3 only Micros section for a total of six small games.

The Accies delighted the onlooking crowds, defying the age and size mismatches with their organised defence and attacking play that was a sight to behold. With stars of the day Manus Gallanch and Lachlan McNicoll both having particularly strong performances. The youngsters won three matches and lost three. That was no mean feat, considering the quality and maturity of their opposition.

P4 played two back to back matches against Ayr squads loaded with substitutes. Despite their lack of fresh legs, the Accies performed heroically, losing the first game by nine tries to seven and the second 8-5.

Grace Dekker was ruthless in defence, making tackle after tackle for the team and earning a star of the day. Equally impressive with his nose for the try line and silky finishing was Max Walton, whose darting runs were hard to defend against. Max was also awarded star of the day.

Things got a lot tougher for the home team further up the age groups with P5 having to spend the majority of the day defending against a well-oiled Ayr machine. Despite losing their matches the Accies kids showed plenty of never-say-die spirit, typified by the hard-tackling Finlay Brotherston and galloping Olive Forbes. Both players deservedly took home star of the day awards.

P6 faced a similar challenge against a wonderfully drilled opposition. Their slick passing and speedy players ensured the Accies defence was tested to its limits. Ayr comfortably won the first two games but were held closely in the third and final encounter. The three star of the day awards went to Finlay Crawford for some hard-hitting and relentless tackling throughout the day, to Logan Dick for his strong, surging runs into the heart of the Ayr defence and Tom Monaghan, who put his body on the line time and time again in defence.

P7 suffered a similar fate to their Minis counterparts and were unable to win in either of their games. Their commitment in defence and willingness to attack down the wings was never in doubt. They simply learned one of sport’s eternal lessons – that the better team won on the day. Spirited performances from both Callum Bell and Callum Sweenie were noted by the coaching staff, with the third star of the day the irrepressible Seamus Gallanch showing his usual fearless take on the great game of rugby.

This weekend the Accies travel to Bishopton RFC.