* LIMITED EDITION MURRAYFIELD PRINTS - Now Available*

Grizzlies tamed...

Marr’s efforts during their first home match of the season were rewarded with a bonus point win.  With Paul Burke, Scott Bickertsaff and Steven Kirk unavailable Marr’s squad showed several changes. Aaron Rankin made his debut at centre, Andrew Gault switched to cover on the right wing and Calum Craig started in the second row.
Aaron is Marr’s latest addition to the senior squad; having only recently moved to Troon and based on his impressive performance he made a strong claim to become a regular member of the senior squad.  Scoring two tries made his debut even more memorable.

As expected Helensbugh (known as the Grizzly Bears) played to their strengths and a strong physical performance from their forwards complimented an equally strong and confident display from their backs. They managed to disrupt Marr’s attempts to get a decent rhythm going and were supported in this by a combination of other factors including some patchy play from some of the home side. When Marr managed to concentrate on playing rugby things went well but a number of distractions interrupted the game plan, causing frustration for both sides.

With ten minutes on the clock Arrron Rankin opened his and Marr’s scoring account. Good forward play at a scrum allowed Marr to launch one of their first forays into Helensburgh’s half. With the defence being stretched Marr probed on the left and right. They encountered some stubborn defence but good re-cycling kept the momentum up and the score came from a powerful midfield surge that saw Aaron force his way over and touchdown for a try that was converted.  Helensburgh immediately countered with a series of attacks but despite ten or so minutes of pressure they got no reward for their efforts.  Marr had few opportunities but finally patience paid off when, again from a solid scrum, they were able to launch a backs move that saw Tony Boyd receiving the ball wide on the left. Bursting through three tackles Tony made a significant break towards the line before cover defence finally slowed him. Re-cycled possession saw the ball move into Aaron’s hands to let him complete the end of a well worked score that Rory McGee converted.

Helensburgh immediately hit back with pressure play and clawed back six points from two penalties. This seemed to lift Helensburgh and as the first half drew to a close both sides were equally matched.  Marr’s forwards, led by captain Stephen Adair, finally managed to gain the ascendency in the loose and he deservedly claimed Marr’s third try which came from several phases of pick and goes from the pack that ground down and finally broke through a spirited defence. Just before half-time Gregor Ness (sponsored by Bearing Gifts), making a welcome return from injury, set up Marr’s fourth try with a mazy run that saw good interplay with Conor Bickerstaff that split the defence and allowed Conor to receive a final pass as the try line beckoned.

Play in the second half was very much a stop start affair with interruptions for injuries and a series of infringements spotted by the referee breaking up play.  Neither team managed to get into any sense of consistency with Helensburgh determined to prevent Marr from opening the game up.  Both defences generally managed to snuff out attacks however Marr still managed to strike twice more with Connor Bickerstaff adding to his tally for the season.

Man of the match: Aaron Rankin
Marr scorers
Tries: Aaron Rankin (2); Stephen Adair (1); Conor Bickerstaff (3)
Conversions: Rory McGee (3)
Penalties: Rory McGee (1)

---

Article Images

---

© 2013 Marr Rugby

---