Birkmyre suffered only their second defeat of the season last Saturday at home to a competitive Irvine side. The Kilmacolm side went down 23-7 in what was a very evenly matched contest for much of the fixture.

The early passages of play saw possession for both sides however no one side was able to gain control. Both sides were making errors and giving away penalties with much of the match being played mid field.

The first opportunity to score fell to the home side. Birkmyre won a penalty 30m out and took a kick at goal. Unfortunately, the ball slipped wide of the posts. The game remained evenly balanced until the 35 minute. Irvine kicked a 50:22 and from the resultant line out, their pack recycled the ball and mauled over for the only score of the half.

The second half started positively for the visitors with them scoring their second try 6 minutes in. It was almost a carbon copy of their initial score with the forwards doing all the work. On the 57th minute, Birkmyre got themselves back in the game. They were awarded a penalty try following a number of infringements by the opposition.

Irvine responded with 2 penalties of their own with in the space of 4 minutes which stretched their lead to 16-7 with 20 minutes still to play.

Despite having their share of possession, Birkmyre were unable advance the scoreboard and with a little over 5 minutes remaining, the visitors put the game to bed with a final try from a short distance scrum.

The result keeps Birkmyre in second place in the league however they do have two games in hand over the league leaders. Victories in both these matches would see them return to the top spot.