Scottish Hydro Electric National Division 3
Fullarton Park
Saturday, 6th March 2010
Kick-Off
Rugby returned to Fullarton Park on Saturday as both the first and second fifteen were involved in league action. The first fifteen welcomed GHK who currently sit fifth in the league and won the previous fixture between the two sides 22-10. Marr were keen to get back to winning ways after losing to Helensburgh last week, GHK on the other hand were keen to build on their 22-8 win over Hillfoots. Marr were without their captain Stuart Millar this week who was out injured Rory McGee took over as captain in his place.
It was a glorious sun drenched afternoon in Troon as the game kicked off. GHK started well and dominated much of the first half and only some stout Marr defence denied them the points they will feel they deserved. It was however Marr who scored first when Rory McGee kicked a penalty to take the score to 3-0. GHK continued to press but were only able to kick one penalty in the fist half. Marr and Rory McGee added another penalty just before the break to take a 6-3 lead at the interval.
The second half saw more of the same as GHK continued to dominate with some impressive attacks and excellent support play. The thin purple and gold line was not to be breached however as the Marr defence held out. GHK were however able to add a penalty to take the score to 6-6. Then just after the hour mark Marr made their break through against the run of play. Marr were awarded a penalty just inside their own half Rory McGee took it Quickly and spotting GHK players out of position put in a in a pin point cross field kick which was gathered by Andrew Watson who out paced the defenders and raced in to score under the posts. Rory McGee added the conversion to take the score to 13-6.
Marr then added another penalty from the boot of Rory McGee to take the score to 16-6. Marr added another try as they started to take control of the match. A Marr counter attack lead to the ball being kicked ahead, Marr second row Kris Kirk won the foot race and gathered the ball before out pacing the entire GHK back line to score a terrific solo try. Rory McGee once again added the conversion taking the score to 23-6.
Marr were now in the driving seat and in the last fifteen minutes they were able to add another two penalties taking the final score to 29-6.
This was a much improved performance by Marr with two very good tries; Marr competed for every ball in the loose. There were good performances across the park by Marr with Fraser Ferguson playing well, Andrew Gault made some good breaks and some important tackles but it was back row Don Morrison who received the man of the match award sponsored by Alan Gillespie.
The second fifteen welcomed Strathendrick to Troon on Saturday for a rearranged league fixture this was the second fifteens first fixture since the 6th of January and Marr were able to field a strong side with Kevin Pattie starting at number eight and Kurt Davies on the flank. Luke Davies started in the centre along side Mike Ross.
Marr started brightly and were soon deep inside the Strathendrick half and pressing for the line after a good break by Kevin Pattie who made several strong runs through the first half. Marr were unable to finish any of the many attacks through out the first half as a touch of rustiness showed in the handling. The first half’s only points came from the boot of Chris Galloway who kicked a penalty mid way through the half.
The second half saw Marr pick up the pace and they continued to press Strathendrick and it was during one of these attacks near the start of the first half that Marr scored , the ball was moved left along the line to Luke Davies who beat three defenders on his way to touch down under the posts. Chris Galloway coolly added the extra two points to take the score to 10-0.
Marr continued to press but were unable to turn their territorial advantage into points, several Marr players went close with both Jock Dalgleish and Graeme Currie being held up over the line by some brave last ditched defence by Strathendrick. Marr were not to be denied and Kurt Davies rounded off a good afternoon for the brothers when he ran from ten metres out beating a couple of defenders before crashing over the line. Chris Galloway once again added the extra two points taking the final score to 17-0.
This was a well needed win for Marr however this was a quite rusty performance with a lot of dropped passes and mistakes. There were however some nice passages of play with good support play. There were good performances from several players with Kevin Pattie causing problems for Strathendrick, Luke Davies played well in the centre, Kris Ferguson Played well on the wing. The man of the match award went to Kurt Davies who made several good runs and tackled well.
There is no rugby next week as Scotland take on England. Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7pm and anyone wishing to play is welcome to come along and join in.
|
