SPORT in Ayrshire is slowly drawing to a close, for this year at least.
Saturday, December 14, marked the final fixtures of 2024 for rugby union sides in the region.
And many signed out in style as they set their sights on making 2025 a year to remember for their respective clubs.
In the top league, the National Premiership, Ayr RFC continued to show the fine form they have displayed throughout the campaign so far.
The Millbrae side held on to top spot heading into the new year with a superb 50-19 victory away at Musselburgh.
The South Ayrshire outfit are one point ahead of Heriot's in the standings with nine regular season matches still to contest.
Elsewhere, this season has proved a testing one for Marr RFC, who currently sit second from bottom in the top division.
However, they rounded off 2024 on a high note - picking up just their third win of the campaign.
A 23-12 victory away at Glasgow Hawks failed to improve their position but has brought the Troon side back within touching distance of the teams ahead.
Moving into the regional leagues and, in West Division One, Kilmarnock RFC rounded out the year in the same manner they have performed all season.
The East Ayrshire outfit cruised to a 76-0 victory at home to Bishopton and maintained their narrow advantage atop the table.
With seven matches to play in the new year, Killie are one point clear of nearest challengers Lenzie.
The two sides are set to meet on the penultimate day of the season in what could be a winner takes all clash.
Elsewhere, Cumnock have struggled to find their stride all season long - a theme which continued in their final match of the year.
A narrow 29-12 loss away at Strathaven brought their year to a close and leaves the East Ayrshire outfit sitting firmly in mid-table.
In West Division Two, Irvine RFC brought 2024 to an end in fantastic fashion with a 55-19 win at home to Uddingston.
The Marress side leapfrogged the visitors and moved into sixth place as a result of their victory and will be eyeing more of the same in 2025.
While Carrick RFC endured a tough end to their year, losing a thrilling match at home to Wigtownshire 24-22.
In doing so, they missed a chance to end the year at the top of the standings, falling three points behind their opponents who take the acclaim.
Though the title favourites remain Strathendrick, who sit in second place two points behind the leaders having played two matches fewer than both Carrick and Wigtownshire.
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