Ayr 21 - 23 Pontypridd

AYR'S British and Irish Cup campaign suffered a sickening setback as the Welsh giants pulled off a smash-and-grab act at Millbrae.

The seasiders were on course for glory until they were pipped in the dying seconds of the game.

Ayr were in superb attacking form in the opening exchanges, but failed to turn their superiority into precious points that would have killed off the Pontypridd challenge.

Frazier Climo slotted three penalties before the midway point of the half but, during that time, they squandered at least the same number of clear-cut try opportunities.

They eventually managed to break through in the build-up to the break when Paul Burke was driven over following a line-out steal.

However, the west coast men were rocked by a sucker punch in stoppage time as the Welsh side managed to claw back seven points with their first meaningful raid.

Lock Grant Harrington powered through a gap in the home defence, with Aaron Bramwell landing the kick to set up a tense second half.

A penalty from the same player placed yet more pressure on Ayr.

However, the Scots responded in positive style to set up a touchdown for Andy Wilson with Climo converting.

Pontypridd hit back to manufacture a fine score of their own through Owen Williams to earn fresh hope.

And they completed their revival when Kris Baller goaled his own try – the kick going over via the crossbar.