View from the touchline:

Marr RfC (2ndXV)   20 -  Allan Glen’s (2nd XV) 8

Great and well deserved result. Good all team effort from both sides in v.poor conditions.  Looking forward to G’s report.

is P6 training on tom? What about P6 game on sunday on or off?

FUN FOR YOUNG FANS AT MURRAYFIELD

Many youngsters from clubs around Scotland will be making their way to Murrayfield this weekend for the Calcutta Cup clash between Scotland and England – a mouth-watering start to the RBS 6 Nations Championship.

There are a host of activities at the stadium to get you in the mood for the big match action (kick-off 5pm) with one of the best areas to demonstrate your rugby skills, the artificial pitch at the back of the west stand.      From 2-4pm that’s where you’ll find a “come and try” skills zone under the guidance of qualified coaches with the added bonus of an assault course and giant inflatables. All three of Scottish Rugby’s popular mascots, Scottie, Edinburgh Rugby’s Flinty and GlasgowWarriors’ Clyde, will be on hand too to add to the fun. Pro-players from Edinburgh Rugby will be present after 3pm and there will be the chance to see the Scotland team bus arrive. Everyone who participates in the skills zone will be entered into a prize draw to win two tickets for the EMC Test between Scotland and South Africa at Murrayfield in November with the winner announced at half-time. So, if you have children at your club aged between 5 and 17 make a bee-line for the artificial pitch.  Anyone under-16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian in order to take part in the skills zone.

Six Nations Rugby: Scotland v. England

Come and watch the game on the big screen this Saturday, kick off 1700.

Scotland to avenge the World Cup defeat? C’mon Scotland!

HI all, could you please pass this info on to any ladies in your lives.......

Just a wee reminder about the LADIES SING STAR  NIGHT being held on Fri the 10th Feb in aid of the Vannessa Riddle Appeal. Kick off 7pm. All ladies welcome. Looks like its shaping up to  be a busy night.

No ticket required, donation at the door. .

For further info contact Lorraine 07917890416 or Andrea 07999566598

Donations for the raffle would be much appreciated.

First XV game v Glasgow Accies which was cancelled last Saturday, now rearranged to 10th March, 1500 ko.

Billy

Alright Andy, good to hear from you mate...Nice one on setting up a Marr league too...Cheers for the code.  Im happy to put in a few quid, what amount?...Tenner or so?...Im offshore till 9th Feb but will try & drop it in to the clubhouse on Sunday 12th if Im visiting my folks...Hopefully everyone joins in to my league too, as there should be a good few joining it from my mates rugby club down south, so some different competition...Just a wee query mate,  what is the sizing like on the Marr gear?... Im trying to order but its saying club shop is closed but wondering anyway if sizes are quite big made or if they are what they say?...I wear a Large in Warriors top & but Medium in Mighty Elephants top for example, so worried order wrong...Hoody’s Im usually  medium too. 

Cheers mate.

Scott

Hello all, 

Firstly well done to all the lads on what is yet another fantastic season so far.  Class!  Long may it continue which it Im certain it will.

I am also posting a link to ESPN’s 6 Nations online Fantasy Rugby Manager.  I have created a new league which is open to anyone that is interested in picking thier own Fantasy squad for the 6 Nations starting next week.  Joining it & taking part in it is TOTALLY FREE & just for fun but if you do well enough in it, ESPN do have numerous prizes that can be won during the tournament.

From the link below, you just follow the instructions to select your squads & when happy, you choose to enter new league.  The PIN# for my league is 5023.  Once youve entered that & confirmed, you will be in the league.

http://espnscrum.fantasyleague.com/Index.aspx

I hope the lads I know & everyone else signs up for it, especially you Mr Watson, you could even get Suzie to pick one.

Anyway well done again on how the season is going & good luck for the rest of it.

Cheers

Scott Robertson (Used to be known as Scooby)

Alan’s birthday bash

Alan and Stephanie are saying thanks to all who attended Alan’s 70^th birthday celebrations and to all who couldn’t get along but passed on good wishes.  A great night was had with splendid entertainment from Jesse Garron.

Alan most generously arranged for a collection for club funds and this raised the fantastic sum of £535 and got his wish of passing this bucket of dosh to Jim C.  Watch this space for details of how this will be used to benefit the club.

On behalf of all at Marr we say thank you to Alan and to Stephanie for their support.  They epitomise the spirit of Marr with their loyal support. It’s fair to suggest that Alan has been round the block a wee bit and he has travelled far and wide before settling in their current home and in recent years becoming one of Marr’s stalwarts. Their caring manner is evident to all and we are delighted to have them as members. 

Listening to Alan and Stephanie it is clear that they can relate to what is going on at Marr.  They enjoy good rugby played in its true spirit and it’s great with all of their travels and experiences they have arrived in Troon and found what they long for. 

Apologies, Glenn has pointed out an error in my message.

The Dinner Dance Date is 14th April and not May

Cheers

More dates for the diary. 

Lewis Hendrie is organising a Sponsored 5 mile "Morph Walk" around Troon, on Sunday 19th February for the Vanessa Riddle Appeal.  If you have a Morph Suit, wear it, and come along.  For those who have not went down the Morph fashion line, then come along for the walk in the Marr colours. All ages, shapes and sizes, most welcome, members or non members.....the more the merrier.

They will start from the Club at 12 noon and walk 5 miles round Troon collecting money on the way, but whatever sponsorship you can donate too would be marvellous.

Also the Dinner Dance Date is set for Saturday 14th May at the Marine Hotel again.  There will be further details of who to get your tickets from very soon on the Marr Rugby Home page.

Hope to see you at either, or all events that have been arranged. 

Thanks to Andrea as well for organising the event on 10th February.

*LADIES NIGHT**

There will be a "SING STAR" night held at the club on Friday Feb 10th at 7pm. Donation at the door.

 All mums, grannies aunties & W.A.G.’s welcome. Raffle on the night with all proceeds going to the Vanessa Riddle Appeal.

Raffle prizes would be greatfully received.

Come along and enjoy the Craic !!!!

For more info text Andrea 07999566598 or Lorraine 07917890416.

View from the touchline:

Marr Rugby 77                   Stewartry RFC 10

After the winter break Marr quickly got back into their stride and by the end of the game had run in thirteen tries against two scored in response by Stewartry.  Marr’s starting line-up saw some changes: with Rory McGee at fullback; Gregor Ness at stand-off; Andrew Gault returning to centre; Andrew Watson on the wing and in the forwards Don Morrison, back after injury, and Kyle Vallance at wing forward.

A good all round team performance provided the ideal platform for Marr to exploit any opportunity and only some heroic defence and over ambitious play kept the score line down.

Within five minutes the first marker was laid with a try scored in the corner by Rory McGee.  The move was started by Andrew Gault launching a searing break from centre of midfield, supported by Rory McGee and Conor Bickertsaff.  Stewartry’s defenders couldn’t cope with the combination of pace, support and perfect timing of offloads and this was a pattern that was repeated with clockwork regularity with three more Marr touchdowns within twenty minutes of play.  Backs and forwards combined well and quick ball from the breakdown ensured that Marr were able to take advantage of any defensive gaps.  Stewartry kept plugging away but struggled to make any inroads against Marr’s defence before they finally scored a try from a lineout catch and drive near to Marr’s try line.

Marr responded with two more tries from Andrew Gault and Fraser Grant to see the first half close Marr 34 – Stewartry 5.

Almost immediately from the restart Marr struck again with Andrew Watson latching on to a cross field chip to gather the ball in perfect position just inside the Stewartry half to take on and beat two defenders and touchdown for the first of his two tries.  Marr continued to score almost at will and during the next quarter the forwards started to get in on the act with scores coming from lineout and drives, rolling mauls and forward charges that saw Kris Kirk touch down twice and included a well-deserved score for Don Morrison.  Don’s try came from a trademark Rhino midfield break and his close supporting play meant that he was in perfect position on Fraser Ferguson’s shoulder to take a short pass and continue the attack.  The defence was unable to cope with his powerful run and the Don crossed the line to score.  Stephen Adair added to the forwards tally and with Gregor Ness and Andrew Watson’s second score the try count clicked over to thirteen. 

Try scorers:

Rory McGee; Scott Bickerstaff; Conor Bickerstaff; Fraser Grant; Andrew Gault (2); Andrew Watson (2); Kris Kirk (2); Don Morrison; Gregor Ness and Stephen Adair

Buzzworks man of the match: Don Morrison - who fitted straight in after his almost five month lay-off and has returned leaner, fitter and stronger.

It was a good opportunity to dust off the close season cobwebs and prepare us for next Saturday when our visit to Allan Glen’s will present a much stiffer challenge.

Kevin Quinn interview with new local online TV channel:

 http://ayrshire.urtv.co.uk/stories/1257

2nds game didn’t go ahead - opponents called off again

3rd XV had a good tussle with Carrick and won by 5 tries to 3.

Carrick will first foot us on Saturday, as the 3rd XV take them on at 1400 at Fullerton.

2nd XV away on league duty at Alan Glens.

A Happy New Year to all.

Billy

Hello and Happy Christmas to all at Marr RFC from your friends at City of Derry RFC! 

I would like to inform your more senior members, Snips etc, of our upcoming International Golden Oldies Tournament. It wil be held on the weekend of the first Bank Holiday in May 2013, we have confirmed so far two teams from Richmond Virginia US, the Ulster Perrennials and the Limerick Leprechauns. The City of Londonderry/Derry has been awarded the first ever UK City of Culture and celebrations are to be held all through the City for the year 2013. We at CDRFC have decided to resurect the Golden Oldies tournament and are extending invites to all who have supported us in the past in the hope that you might be able to attend and have another great time with us in our lovely "Cultural" City!! we are hopeful that St. Pauli from Hamburg, Barkers But’s from Coventry , Venlo Wallaby’s from Holland and Sefton from Liverpool will try and make the occasion as well.

As usual the world renowned City of Derry Jazz Festival will run that same weekend so the City will be alive and buzzing with International performers and their followers from all over the world. You can take a look at the Jazz Festival on it’s own website and see the acts who have attended in the past.

I as always will be more than willing to help out with details this side with regard to accomodation, coaches etc. so please talk about it and let me know what your thoughts are, it would be great to see you all again over here.

All the best for the holiday season

Malcolm Burns.  CDRFC

Players and supporters day at Club today will start at 3pm now, as the 2s game has been called off.  See you all there!

Jackie and Maryann

A brief reminder for members of Financial AGM, his Wednesday 7/12/11 at 1930

Billy Bate

Secretary

View from the touchline:

Marr Rugby 13   East Kilbride RFC 7

On a bitterly cold, wet and windy day a much improved East Kilbride side arrived at Marr brimming with confidence following a string of recent successes.  For much of the match their big and very physical forwards showed a great deal of guile to disrupt our attempts to play through the phases and only some excellent midfield and cover defence prevented us from scoring more than a single try.

In the first half with the wind behind us we made the most of this to play much of the half in East Kilbride territory.  We quickly realised that East Kilbride’s play at the breakdown was going to present a major problem. In addition to some excellent counter-rucking they were able to successfully exploit and make the most of opportunities to interfere with our attempts to clear the ball. It took twenty minutes before we finally managed to unlock their defence with Conor Bickerstaff touching down after some great work by the forwards.  Rory McGee converted and followed this with a successful penalty just on the half hour.  Marr’s penalty was scant reward for another intensive period of play deep in East Kilbride’s half during which the forwards were starting to get the edge on their opposite numbers. On one occasion a rolling maul edged near to the try line and as Kris Kirk broke the score was prevented by a fantastic tackle which saw Crouch held up over the line. 

At half time EK’s coach took the opportunity to remind his team that we were the newbies to this league while they were the dominant force, with aspirations to return to Premier level rugby.  This further charged their efforts and quickly resulted in a converted try which came from clever play by the forwards.  Following a spell of East Kilbride pressure that was being soaked up by some good defence Marr had the put in at a scrum near to their own line.  East Kilbride’s pack was not minded to allow us to clear our lines and their half back and breakaway forwards managed to get in about our efforts and as the ball bobbled about they were quickest to react and pounce to score.

This led to some even more intensive play with East Kilbride keeping it tight while Marr had to work hard to stem the onslaught. A combination of good tackling and concentration by the full Marr team kept East Kilbride at bay. As we entered the final quarter the referee helped with some respite when he started to take action on how East Kilbride had been playing the break down.  This unsettled them and led to a yellow card for their scrum half which allowed us to take play into their territory. We had two attempts at long range penalties and managed to get three points from one. No mean feat as the kicks were into a gale force wind.

In the final stages East Kilbride returned to their full complement and again pressed the Marr line seeking a winning score.  All credit to their efforts but these were to no avail as Marr’s defence held firm and significantly no penalties were conceded.

Another close encounter and now with the onset of the winter break Marr will have the opportunity to rest and recover from what has been a physically demanding period.

Four points in the bag, the future is still bright…

Irvine v Marr

Sat 26th November 2011


With the west coast being hammered all week by lashing wind and rains, it was only the most determined of souls that made the journey to watch the Rugby at Marress on Saturday. But when whats on offer is one of the tastiest local derbys in Ayrshire rugby, then there will always be plenty of folks turn out no matter what the weather.

Following last weeks defeat to league leaders GHK, Marr were faced with another short away trip to the home of their local rivals Irvine, desperately needing to get the ship steadied and a win on the bounce would see them remain a force to be reckoned with in West Division 1 after the Christmas period.

On the day, Irvine were hosting a sponsors lunch and kindly extended an invite for 6 of the Marr rugby fraternity to come along and join them, Rivet, Snips, Feet, Trout and a couple of others accepted the invite, and a top notch couple of hours of catching up with our equally passionate Irvine neighbours was followed by a hearty lunch of broth and steak pie...ideal before the oilskins came out for the big event...Irvine do this bit well....no doubt, and with a free bar on the go, the atmosphere for the game to follow got off to a good start.

This weeks Marr team suffered some major changes late in the week as both Conor and Scott Bickerstaff were ruled out due to injury, resulting in Andrew Gault moving on to the left wing and young Tony Boyd stepping on the right.

The conditions were awful from the off, Marress does not hold up too bad in the wet, but with so much mud present it was difficult to tell which team was which , even before the match had started. Marr played the first half with the strong wind in their faces, and understandably most of the play was in their half. The Irvine pack were obviously up for a fight and their game plan was layed out early..pick and go...and they did it well. Marr however were also up for this and tackled ferociously as the ball moved feet and inches at a time, back and forth. Fraser Grant, Fraser Ferguson and Steven Kirk all showed why they have been at the heart of this young Marr pack all season as they put in tackle after tackle to keep the hungry Irvine pack at bay. Both forwards at times resembling a single ball of mud as they mauled the ball up the park, time after time.

Marr held their own well during this onslaught, rarely getting the opportunity or space to make much for themselves, up  until 10 minutes before the end of the first half when the Irvine full back Davies, spotted a gaping hole at the back of the Marr defence and sent up a chip that he was able to get to himself and touchdown for the first points of the afternoon...there weren’t going to be many. The resulting conversion was missed and the score was still tight. 5-0 to Irvine.

Marr never really got a great platform in place from which to look up and try and attack the Irvine lines, they spent most of this half spoiling their opponents slow but robust progress towards the Marr line. On the odd occasion that the ball came loose from the mud, one player in the Marr side that stuck out like the proverbial sore thumb was youngster Tony Boyd, who took some fantastic balls, going at fantastic speed and made some fantastic yards, hitting the line as hard and as strongly as any around him.

Marr were unfortunate to lose both Fraser Grant and captain Stephen Adair to injuries and had only one or two other clear chances in the first half to score, on one occasion a 3 man overlap was presented and if only for a simple pass and catch, Marr would have strolled in, but it was dropped, and shows that irrespective of who you are, or what level of this game you’ve played at.  a day of the dropsies can and do affect anyone....another try goes a begging.

The half time whistle was sounded, with Marr trailing by 5 points and turning around to have the wind and hopefully the momentum at their backs. A change of jerseys allowing the referee and supporters to distinguish the players once again, from more than the direction they ran with ball..

Almost to script, the wind allowed Marr a bit more control of the ball in the second half. Rory McGee put in some neat kicks to nullify the rolling progress of the Irvine team. Gary Thomson had come on to center after an injury to Sean Reddox, and immediately made an impact getting over the gain line and allowing the Marr forwards to move forward to the ball.

In a mirror image of the first half, Marr had the territory due to wind, and it wasn't long before the dogged determination of Bob Kennedy, Richie McNicol and Fraser Young resulted in Irvine conceding a penalty within kicking range.

Rory McGee has shown that he can be worth 12 or 15 points every week with a kicking boot as reliable as this clubs had, and with the wind changing direction with every gust, even kicks in front of the sticks were going to be tricky...He nailed the first, and Marr were on the hunt 5 -3.

The game at this point started to ignite itself. The underfoot conditions meant it was blood an guts rugby, and hit after hit went in from both team, balls popping out in all directions and the Referee did well to keep virtually on top of who was who and where the ball might have been at any time.

Marr searched for any kind of break through, at one point 12 drives were repelled from the Irvine line, Marr bodies lining up to throw themselves at it, but an admirable and unrelenting wall was presented by Irvine as they fought to hold on to their narrow lead.

You can only hold out for so long when your in your own 22, and Irvine decided that after foiling the Marr pack, they would have a go themselves. The ball was worked up the left wing and Irvine commenced their own seige, this time on the Marr line.

Having been shown only minutes earlier how to defend a line, Marr stepped up and demonstrated that they too have the grit to play these types of games. 4 or 5 try scoring cheers went up from the irvine support only for the ball to reemerge short of the line. 20 minutes of rugby played within 10 metres of the try lines and not a point on the board!. But Marr worked the ball back down to the right neck of the woods with a big hoof in the air and proceeded to once again try and find a weak point in the muddy barrier in front of them. Now well drilled at this, Irvine kept Marr at bay until they finally infringed the referees rather liberal views on the offside law and once again presented Rory McGee with a fair chance at the posts. The wind wasn't helping at all, but Rory stepped up and knocked it over...toffee... 6-5 to Marr with less than 2 minutes on the clock.

Irvine then sent up the resulting restart and set off looking to revert the scoreboard. A couple of runs from their fullback Davies tested Marr’s nerves and Ruchin Fillanders made a valiant and effective break into the Marr half, but Marr held firm, the ball was sent into the crowd and the ref blew his whistle. Game over 5-6 to Marr. Not by any means a great performance, but in weather like this its hard to play anything, and Marr were rewarded for the guts and determination they showed.

There has been a lot of expectations on individuals at the club this year to make the ‘difference’ and to ‘raise the standard’ of our rugby, but today’s win was born from boys playing their heart out for the badge on their shirt.

Next week sees the final match before the Christmas break with Marr hosting East Kilbride at Fullarton. The earlier fixture being a very close fought encounter and is sure to be a cracker.

The future remains bright. (but lets not run blindly towards it)

mon the Marr...

A huge well done to the 1st XV for the win today at Irvine - on the bleakest of days, our boys held their nerve to win a penalty in the dying minutes, with the score at 5-3 to Irvine. Rory McGhee calmly slotted the kick over and Marr won 5-6. Superb !

U16 West Div 1

West 12 V 7 Marr

Marr travelled to West on Sunday for their league match with only 14 boys available.

First half was a very tight affair with both teams battling hard on the big pitch which was heavy and energy sapping, West made the breakthrough in 10 mins when a missed tackle from Marr on their own 22 let West in for a try which went unconverted.

Marr came back right from the ko and put pressure on West but despite some real heroic efforts could not get into a scoring position.

20 mins on the clock and an injury to one of Marrs props brought about uncontested scrums, which as we were dominant did not suit us.

Shortly after west again made a break through and scored under the posts, this time conversion was good and the half time score 12-0

Second half was all Marr, despite now playing with 13 as our prop could not continue the remaining lads fought their hearts out.... almost all the play was in the West half, and on 45 mins Marr got some reward by scoring a very well worked try under the posts, conv was good and we were now only one score behind.

Marr again battled hard both in defence and attack but could not get passed a defence that had a 2 man advantage.

Final score West 12 Marr 7

If ever there was a group of lads who showed guts, courage and a desire then it was these 14 who pitched up and gave everything to the jersey, they should be rightly proud of their performance although a tad disapointed in the result.

If we had a fully fit full squad the story would have been different however we all know you play with what you have got.

Next Sunday we are away to close neighbours Ayr at Millbrae with a 2pm ko.

As usual all support is welcome.

The futures bright.............

Serevi,

College lost 8-3 at Kelvinside. Missing a few key players although having already beaten them 5-31 at Balgray earlier this season you would have thought they could have won up there again.  Apparently the hungrier side won and our boys simply didn’t turn up. Wee Stewart Evans raging - training should be interesting this week for the boys!

Unlucky for the 1st XV at the weekend - let’s make up for it at Irvine, but well done to the 2nds.

Did the school 1st XV play at the weekend ? - I thought they had a Scottish Cup fixture.

View from the touchline:

GHK RFC 29         Marr Rugby 16

GHK show the way

In a compelling match at Old Anniesland GHK showed why they are top of the table with a consistent performance that allowed them to edge Marr and stretch their lead at the top to five points. 

With Glasgow Hawks having no game, the clash was played on the big pitch and in front of a healthy crowd with a good sized travelling support.  The first half was akin to two evenly matched heavy weight boxers trading punches and it was clear that the team who made least mistakes would triumph.

GHK struck first with a penalty that was quickly balanced and the match ebbed and flowed for about thirty minutes with neither team managing to find a way to unlock some great defensive play.  GHK had the advantage in territory and possession but Marr’s defence was holding their own and the few opportunities to counter attack were quickly and effectively disrupted.

GHK’s first try came after a charged down kick that was pounced upon by their pacey back row.  Marr quickly responded with their try after some excellent scavenging by Andrew Bate who managed to get round the side of GHK’s scrum at their put-in to pounce and win the ball, feed it to Rory McGee whose running line cut a gap in the defence before offloading to Sean Reddox, coming in at pace to support, with his run perfect to scythe his way in near to the posts.

With further penalties exchanged, the first half ended as a stalemate on the scoreboard but with GHK having the edge on play.

In the first quarter of the second half GHK took full advantage of infringements by Marr to create a six point lead from two successful penalty attempts.  In response Marr had two good chances from breaks to claw back points but much to the relief of the home support failed to make the best of these.  A combination of some very strong defensive play and some mistimed passes were to be our undoing.  In one of the phases we managed to get within touching distance of GHK’s line but the attack was disrupted by some clever play that was finally penalised and we had to make do with three points from a penalty.  Marr’s paltry reward for their efforts appeared to add as a catalyst to spur GHK on to a new level.

As we entered the final quarter GHK made the killer blows with two tries.  Marr gave away a penalty and with GHK’s confidence growing they opted to kick for touch.  From the resulting lineout a drive headed towards Marr’s line and the inevitable happened.  Marr raised their game in response but our attacks started to appear to become a bit desperate rather than controlled and at times we cheaply gave away possession.  GHK calmly stuck to their game plan and were rewarded with their third and final try.  This followed the breakdown of a Marr attack deep into GHK territory and their fullback Tony Herron launched a scorching counterattack that was only stopped deep in our twenty two. They managed to maintain the momentum and punched a hole in the regrouping defence to score in the corner.

For the final ten minutes Marr continued to press but with no reward.

With the final whistle GHK cemented their position as league leaders and left Marr to rue missed opportunities.  GHK’s victory was earned off the back of a very good and consistent team performance.  Their stand-off Andy Fleming directed and controlled his team’s play with very good effect and always posed a threat in attack and based on the form that they displayed this season GHK will be a hard act to beat.  

Marr’s performance wasn’t bad; GHK’s was better and gave us a view of some of the progress we have to make.

From previous experience we know we can and do learn and we have a week to make sure that the lessons are carried into our next match, away to third placed Irvine who will be keen to follow GHK’s lead. 

Marr’s travelling support Old Anniesland was good, let’s make the short hop to Maress a must do for next Saturday.

This from the GHK website, on Saturdays match:

GHK v Marr Saturday 19 November - Important Information

Slight change to opponent’s for Saturday’s game, it is now Dalziel with a 2pm KO.

Also East Kilbride 2ndXV are looking for a fixture next week.

7th December - further to previous message - this is only a financial meeting to agree last years accounts - full blown AGM in Spring. My apologies.

Billy Bate

Secretary

Marr Rugby

Marr Rugby AGM is on Wednesday 7th December at 1930.

Nominations for Office bearers to me please at billybate@wightcablenorth.net

Billy Bate

Secretary Marr Rugby