Birkmyre kicked off their league campaign with a home defeat to Wigtownshire on Saturday in the Arnold Clark West Division Two.

Wigtownshire, stepping down from Division One last season, proved a formidable force, swiftly taking the lead as they exploited a weakness in the Kilmacolm side's defence.

Despite a powerful play from the visitors, Birkmyre's team showed their tenacity, finishing the half with a period of sustained pressure.

However, they were unable to convert this into points.

The ebb and flow of the second half reflected an evenly matched game for the initial twenty minutes.

Opening day defeat for BirkmyreOpening day defeat for Birkmyre (Image: Fiona Wallace)

Eventually, the visiting team extended their lead, taking advantage of another gap in the Birkmyre defence.

They ran in 25 metres unopposed, the conversion adding to their mounting lead.

Refusing to be upstaged, Birkmyre battled back, earning their spot on the scoreboard with fifteen minutes remaining in the match.

Skipper Ross Moglia seized the moment, snapping up the ball from the edge of a ruck, and charging through from ten metres out.

However, Wigtownshire had the final say, securing their fifth and bonus point try in style.

(Image: Fiona Wallace)  The day ended in victory for the visiting side

After scoring a line out just inside their own half, they broke a tackle on the halfway mark and swiftly worked the ball down the wing for the concluding score of the game.

At the final whistle, the game weighed in at a 31-5 victory for the visiting team.

Birkmyre, undeterred, will be seeking to snatch their first triumph of the season and boost their morale on their road to Carrick next Saturday.