THE weekend saw thrilling cup and league action taking place right across Ayrshire for the area's rugby union sides.
There were vital ties both in the latter stages of competitions and at the top end of the table as the season starts to reach its climax.
In the top league, the National Premiership, first met second as Ayr RFC hosted Heriot's Rugby on Saturday, March 22.
And it was the home side who were victorious - winning the clash 29-17.
The result guarantees Ayr will finish the season in top spot, though the title destination will be decided via a play-off phase.
Elsewhere in the division, Marr RFC made it two wins in a row as they were 35-21 winners at home to Edinburgh Academical.
The result lifts the Troon side above their opponents and into third bottom position in the standings.
Meanwhile, Ayr also had a team taking part in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
The South Ayrshire outfit faced off against Dundee Rugby and narrowly missed out on a semi-final place - losing 32-29.
One other Ayrshire men's side was in cup action on Saturday with Ardrossan Accies massive underdogs in their National League Cup quarter-final away to GHK.
After an incredibly tight first half, the higher division side proved too strong for the Memorial Field club who exited the competition after a 41-15 loss.
Back into league action and it was a fruitful weekend for Kilmarnock in West Division One.
First met second as the East Ayrshire club travelled to face Lenzie - and returned home 42-26 winners.
The victory puts one hand on the league trophy for Kilmarnock who now need just six points from their final two matches to secure top spot and promotion into National Division Four.
Elsewhere in the league, it was a tough weekend for Cumnock as they fell to a 62-24 defeat at home to East Kilbride.
In West Division Two, Carrick kept their slim title chances alive with a 67-7 win away at Loch Lomond/Helensburgh.
The result keeps them just a point off top spot, however, leaders Strathendrick have two games in hand on the South Ayrshire Club.
The leaders also kept their perfect league record intact on Saturday - winning in the most emphatic of fashions. They were 133-12 winners at home to Irvine RFC at the weekend.
Into women's rugby and while league seasons may be over there is still plenty to play for in cup competitions.
In the National Shield, Ayr earned their place in the semi-finals on Sunday (March 23) with a solid 31-12 win at home to Oban Lorne.
However, in the National Bowl, Carrick missed out on a place at Murrayfield as they lost 5-17 in a tight match against Strathaven.
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