THE competitive rugby season got underway in style in North Ayrshire - with the county's top two sides facing off.

Action got underway on Saturday, August 31, with Garnock Rugby Club hosting Ardrossan Accies in the National League Cup.

And it was the home side who claimed the derby bragging rights, edging a thrilling encounter 28-20.

The match was the perfect opportunity for both sides to lay down a marker ahead of the new league season kicking off next week.

For Garnock, after winning the National League Division Four with a near perfect record, they will be entering Division Three this time around.

A win would be the perfect springboard to start their campaign in a new league where they are aiming for their third straight league title and promotion.

While the Accies headed into the game off the back of a perfect season in West Region Division One - winning every game en route to league title glory.

Their reward was promotion to the National League Division Four - and facing last season's champions was the ideal chance to lay down a marker and show they are planning more of the same in the new league.

On a sunny day at Lochshore, it was the Accies who started the match strongly, scoring the first try of the match which was duly converted.

Though Garnock came roaring back quickly, cutting the lead with a penalty before taking advantage of a yellow card for their opponents - scoring a converted try of their own to take the lead.

But Ardrossan were keen to show they were more than a match for the home side, and a fine score in the corner, and conversion, gave the visitors a 14-10 lead at half-time.

The match continued in the same nature in the second 40, with another lead change when Garnock scored a converted try after a spell of pressure in the opposition 22.

Despite spells of pressure for both sides, only a pair of penalties were traded heading into the dying stages with the match finely poised at 23-20.

But as the Accies looked to edge ahead, it was Garnock who wrapped up the match before the final whistle blew, with an unconverted try enough to make the final score line 28-20.

Garnock now begin preparation for their first match of the league season at home to Dumfries Saints on Saturday, September 7, at 3pm.

For Ardrossan, it's a tough home match on the same day, at the same time, against Stewarty RFC.