AYRSHIRE sides are proving to be a force to be reckoned with this season as Scotland's rugby union leagues season continue.

Many of the country's national and regional leagues are now approaching their halfway stage, and sides from across the county find themselves in the midst of title battles.

National Premiership

A top of the table clash saw Marr Rugby travel to face reigning champions Hawick RFC.

Marr were handed just their third loss of the season in the match, falling to a 21-15 defeat, though obtaining a losing bonus point in the process.

As the league season edges closer to the play-off stage, Marr remain in second place, four points adrift of their weekend opponents.

National Division One

Ayr RFC made it a perfect ten to start their league campaign, as they continued their charge at the top of the table.

Their 40-22 win over Biggar was enough for a bonus point and to remain eight points ahead in first position.

National Division Four

There is a bit of a drop down the division to find Ayrshire's next side, though it looks like they are a side who will be on the way up.

Garnock RFC picked up their ninth straight win, and ninth bonus point, of the season on Saturday as they brushed aside Ross High 88-7 away from home.

The North Ayrshire side sit nine points ahead at the top of the league halfway into the season.

West Region Division One

Ardrossan Accies RFC continue to dominate in their push to return to the national leagues.

The side picked up their tenth straight win on Saturday with a 57-0 win against Strathaven and already lie 19 points ahead at the top of the table.

Other Ayrshire sides in the league did not quite fair so well this weekend however.

Cumnock RFC lost 57-27 at home to East Kilbride, slipping to fifth below their league opponents as a result.

While Kilmarnock RFC faced a tough trip away to Annan this weekend, and unfortunately came home pointless after a 19-10 loss, and have dropped to second last position as a result.

West Region Division Two

Carrick RFC faced a trip away to play Strathendrick this weekend - a side pushing at the top end of the table.

And the Ayrshire side sitting fifth in the league upset the odds to produce an impressive 20-10 win and close the gap between the two sides.

West Region Division Three

Having dropped to the West regions lowest tier, Irvine RFC have enjoyed a resurgent season and lie in second position behind only Birkmyre RFC.

And they continue to press up the top end of the league after an incredibly tough test this weekend.

But Irvine managed to come out on top after a trip to face Shawlands RFC, winning by a narrow 19-17 scoreline.