Stewartry gave themselves a great chance of a top two finish with a bonus point win over third place Garnock.
Following last week’s loss to unbeaten Allan Glens, the Blacks needed to restore the gap between themselves and the Ayrshire club.
And the 42-22 victory, which kept them in top spot, did just that, stretching the distance to seven points with three games to play - the last away to Garnock.
The visitors showed attitude with a kick off deep into the home 22, winning the first scrum and lineout before Armstrong used the strong cross wind to clear the Stewartry lines.
Garnock continued to put the Blacks under pressure until the seventh minute when Angus Lindsay broke out with Hogg and Porteous in support. They hit the Garnock 22 the ball being spun out to captain John Picken for the opening try out on the left wing. David Armstrong added the conversion 7-0.
Garnock forward strength was troubling the lighter Blacks pack but, when possession was won, the backs made some exciting charges into dangerous attacking positions.
Michael Yates made 30 metres and Austin, following up, put Ty Wilson away on amazing jinking 60 metre run outstripping the Garnock defence for a second try. Armstrong again added the points 14-0.
Stewartry added a third try in 28 minutes when Armstrong broke through with Spence, Hogg and Austin up in support, John Picken going over for his second, Armstrong converting 21-0.
Garnock continued to use the pack to advantage and were rewarded with a big drive from a scrum five to open their account in thirty seven minutes but the conversion missed 21-5.
However, Stewartry were not to be outdone and Armstrong kicked long into touch deep in the Garnock half.
It produced some quick back play from Nicholson, Armstrong and Austin who put Spence clear for the bonus point fourth try. Armstrong added the conversion right on half time, 28-5.
The second half started with both teams kicking for advantage.
Stewartry had a try disallowed before Wilson was stopped just short.
Finn Telfer came on as the McGuire brothers changed over after an injury. Stewartry were yellow carded for committing too many penalties but Maxwell and McLean continued to take good lineout ball.
Fifty seven minutes in, Garnock doubled their score with another pushover try, adding a third in the corner five minutes later taking advantage of Stewartry being a man short, 28-15.
Driving forward Connor McGuire made room for Michael Yates to score try number five, Armstrong converting, 35-15.
Garnock also had a player yellow carded for penalties.
Another charge in 75 minutes by Spence saw him set up Picken for his hat trick. Armstrong completed his 100 per cent conversions six from six, 42-15.
An injury in the last minutes of the game saw Stewartry’s Archie Nicholson taken to the hospital for a scan after a head knock resulted in concussion for the scrum half.
