Marr Rugby 2014 – a year of reflection
As 2014 passes into the memory bank and we look forward to the challenges 2015 has to offer it’s useful to reflect on some Marr Rugby highlights and other memories.

Champions – 1st and 2nd XV!
On the field, playing season 2013/14 surpassed all expectations. In their inaugural season in Championship A, Marr Rugby’s 1st XV were always going to make a good impression. However it quickly became clear that the playing squad was more than ready to compete at this higher level. Early in the season they established a strong league position that was maintained and improved. As rugby finally restarted in February after weeks of weather disruption Marr along with Hamilton and Falkirk were closely trailing league leaders and pre-season favourites Cartha Queens Park.

As the season moved towards its concluding Saturday it was clear that the final matches Cartha v Marr and Hamilton v Falkirk would be a fitting climax. The penultimate fixtures were nail-biters. On 1 March, Cartha wobbled and lost 13-12 to Whitecraigs to leave Hamilton and Marr within striking distance.

Meanwhile Marr’s 2nd XV were setting their league on fire with superb displays of trademark expansive rugby. Losing only one match as they moved to the finale they were in pole position and could only be caught by close rivals Greenock.

It’s not just the players who go the extra mile for Marr Rugby! On 8 March Marr welcomed Hamilton and over 500 supporters turned out to witness a battle royale. After two previous postponements and to help make sure Fullarton was playable Tom Irvine once again worked his socks off and in the days leading up to the Saturday was ably assisted by Andy Mathieson and Marty Emslie. Heavy rain on Thursday threatened to undo the good work that had been carried out and an early morning pitch inspection on Saturday gave a 50/50 chance of the pitch being ready by kick-off time. A small band of Marr supporters started working on the two main areas that were causing concern. Andy Mathieson, Billy Bate and Glenn Davis stepped up to the mark to join Tom and their efforts, added to the work already carried out, meant that the pitch passed re-inspection with both clubs happy to play on the surface. The efforts to get the game on at Fullarton were testament to and symptomatic of the determination and commitment that pervades Marr on and off the field and set a tone and marker that Marr’s players followed for the actual match.

McGee breaks Hamilton hearts – again! The crowd witnessed one of the most physically and mentally intensive and demanding matches ever played at Fullarton. With so much at stake and playing with a strong wind blowing towards the courtyard end both sides had to be at the very top of their game and this is what they delivered. The game see-sawed in respect of territory and possession; superb defensive displays countered any attacking opportunity. Going in to the final play Hamilton were leading 10-12. As the match moved into overtime Marr took one final assault on Hamilton’s line. With bodies flying in everywhere it was hard to see how Marr would find a way through. Marr’s players needed to ensure that they retained possession as they repeatedly probed and as Hamilton committed more and more players to the breakdown area Marr made one final play to spread the ball wide. Good hands saw the ball spread out to Rory McGee who crashed through final defenders to score in the corner for an unconverted try with the final whistle following the unsuccessful conversion attempt.

In December 2013 Rory had clinched a Marr cup win against Hamilton with a final play penalty conversion so once again was the Bulls players and supporters nemesis. However the man of the match was Barry Kirk whose efforts in open and set piece play were exceptional. Having stepped in to cover for brother Kris who earlier in the season had fallen seriously ill, Barry showed the way for the rest of the Marr players in his full commitment to win this vital match.

Super Saturday – 22 March 2014
2s win in Marr Rugby style! Marr Rugby’s 2nd travelled to Motherwell and blasted Dalziel away with a thumping 5 -55 victory to gain an unassailable position and win RBS Reserve League West 1. Winning all but one match and on the way scoring over 500 points Marr’s players continued to show all the high standards of play expected to be delivered by those who wear purple and gold.

1s spoil Cartha’s party! More than half of the 1000 who were on the touchline at Dumbreck were wearing purple and gold. With points and home advantage pre-season favourites Cartha only needed a draw to take the league title. Having comprehensively beaten Marr at Fullarton earlier in the season they were ready to end the year in style. Playing in conditions that reflected the four seasons Marr had to counter the strongest set of forwards the league had to offer. Taking an early lead Marr failed to capitalise on chances. They found themselves under extreme pressure and conceded a penalty try. As the match reached its closing stages and with Marr leading 7 – 12 Cartha continued to try a route one approach. Marr were reduced to 13 men as Andy Kelly joined Ben Johnston in the sin-bin but in the face of tremendous pressure the line was held intact. Jubilation follow the final whistle as Marr looked towards life in Scottish Rugby’s second tier.

Kris Kirk – all clear!
Kris ‘Crouch’ Kirk’s treatment for Testicular cancer is a success and a sharp reminder for all. Crouch stood up to the challenge and with help won in the manner that many recognise in Clan Kirk!

Minis survive the fire!
As a consequence of the limited facilities available at Fullarton Marr’s Minis – the clubs future – relocated their annual tournament to the College playing fields. Over 450 kids had a superb day in the sun with twice as many proud parents, relatives and friends watching youngsters learning, competing and enjoying rugby. Minis are Marr’s lifeblood and it’s great that so many of the current squad of senior players have come through Marr Rugby’s youth ranks.

Pre-season training
Marr’s senior players who wanted to be in contention for the 1st XV squad for 2014/15 started their pre-season regime 10 days after the Cartha win. Coach Paul Burke laid out diet, strength and conditioning plans as part of the preparations to get the squad ready for their toughest ever season. Apologies to those parents whose food bills rocketed or quickly got fed up with the smell of cooked fish!

Pre-season preparation came at a heavy cost. Conor Bickerstaff and Angus Johnston sustained injuries that has left them on the touchline and only able to watch and support. All going well both will be fully recovered and rairing to go next season.

Seriously though – this is an example of just how far the club’s senior side has progressed. We have a professional approach, supported by top quality coaching that is affording those of our players who wish to aspire to playing at the highest levels of club rugby in Scotland to enjoy the opportunity – and compete!

3s make their Marr’K’
Whilst there has been much emphasis on the 1st and 2nd XV’s it is important to highlight that Marr Rugby is one of the very few clubs in Scotland that is able to regularly field a 3rd XV. Led by Andy Mathieson and starting life as a ‘social’ side the players quickly reclaimed a competitive edge. This led to increasing numbers at training, less port on match days and a desire to play competitive matches. As a result for season 2014/15 the 3s have entered BT Reserve League West 2. Results so far have been promising with the side comfortably securing second spot in the league at the year end.

Marr Rugby – Scottish Rugby Club of the Year 2014
Marr Rugby’s continuing success was recognised in May 2014 with the award of the prestigious title and trophy naming them as Scottish Rugby’s Club of the Year. Whilst based on performance in 2014, in reality this accolade reflected the work undertaken and achievements since 2009. Many at Marr Rugby, far too many to name, have excelled to ensure the the club progresses in the correct direction and moves to its rightful place and becomes a dominant force.

Season 2014/15 – 2s continue to impress, 1s ‘learn’
As Marr Rugby taste life in Scotland’s top 22 club sides their 2s have carried on with exceptional performances that see them end the year as league leaders. As a back-up squad to the 1s they need to ensure that they are playing at the highest possible level and all going well will march on to promotion. In November their cause suffered a setback when influential back Raymond Wrightson sustained a serious leg injury while playing against Hillhead Jordanhill. A recent convert to rugby after a successful career playing top class hockey Raymond is a consummate athlete and his physical condition will serve him well during his recovery after two operations to repair the damage. He is already targeting his return to training and we all look forward to seeing his return to rugby action.

Meanwhile Marr’s 1s players are coming to terms with playing in the second tier. As unexpected entrants to this higher league they were earmarked as ‘whipping boys’ but have managed to confound their critics and the doom-sayers. With two sides relegated in this twelve team league Marr’s coaches and players are well aware of their ‘learning’ and target. As the year ends Marr Rugby’s 1st XV sits in 9th spot. A significant challenge awaits but the players are up for this, enjoying the rugby in NL1 and eager to remain in this rarefied environment. This season’s debutants for Marr’s 1st XV included Ali Hazel, Matt Skeoch, Tommy Gaunt and D’arcy Rae and the opportunities from playing rugby at this level are fantastic. Marr’s ranks have been strengthened by a number of new players attracted to play rugby in this higher league. This has slightly helped to offset the loss and unavailability of some key players due to long term injuries, retirement and other reasons. After a superb break-through season in 2013/14, as part of his potential Scotland cap pathway development, Ben Johnston was steered to play with Ayr. However, thankfully Ben retained dual registration that has meant a couple of appearances in purple and gold. This availability has been vital in helping supplement a squad that has had to face its most physically demanding challenges and extensive injury list.

Oh – the minor inconvenience - the fire damage and what next!
Seasons 2013/14 and 2014/15 have seen Marr Rugby face the added challenge of dealing with the fallout from the fire that knocked out a third of the facilities in the clubhouse.

Temporary accommodation remains, but has got us back up and functioning, albeit with limitations. This far from ideal scenario required much work to address. From planning to a building warrant and the minor matter of funding any improvement plans. Our proposed plans are on show in the clubhouse.

Conditional planning was secured in July. The conditions were tied in with our desire to improve parking issues with our proposal to introduce a bus bay adjacent to the clubhouse. This required extensive negotiation with and agreement from the roads department and in November they finally gave a green light to our proposals. However at this time planning has still to approve the suggestions. Early in the New Year we aim to appoint contractors and start the work in April.

Funding for the project will come from several streams and includes how we support the club development plans and officer. Marr 300 is a mainstay– a simple lottery - are you a member yet? If not speak with Jim Caldwell.

In 2015 there will be other fundraising opportunities, including the Purple and Gold Ball – see website for details.

Jim Caldwell – BT Club Rugby Volunteer of the Month (November)
Marr Rugby enjoys success on and off the field. This is achieved through the efforts and hard work of many. In December Scottish Rugby announced that Jim ‘Sweeper’ Caldwell’s work at Marr Rugby had been recognised with the award of Club Volunteer of the Month. In amongst many other things Jim acts as Membership Secretary and Club Treasurer and has been a key player in helping deliver the club’s rise to success. Jim is now in the running to be Volunteer of the Year – with the award being announced in May.

Thanks to many
The list of people who do things for Marr Rugby is long and growing. On and off the field many people quietly and effectively put words intro action. They seek no great recognition and reward and simply have purple and gold blood flowing through their veins. Amongst others already mentioned, examples include Gregor Ness who has got Marr Rugby’s communications back on course through our website and Facebook footprint as well as helping Keith Dunsmuir, Scott and Conor Bickerstaff with the College 1st XV; Jamie McGee who has kept the bar on track; Bert Johnstone who continues to look after the clubhouse fabric along with Ron Legge; Jackie Hendrie dealing with the unenviable task of sorting fixture arrangements; Billy Bate for sorting pitch adverts and flags to Gregor Inglis for shepherding the Minis.

Finally thanks should go to the 1st XV squad who on 30 December were training in preparation for their first match of 2015 and who on 2 January will be back out again.

The future is very much purple and gold!!!