Tennent’s National League 1: Jed-Forest RFC v Marr Rugby
Tennent’s National Reserve League 1: Ayr RFC v Marr Rugby
Tennent's West Reserve League 1: Marr Rugby v East Kilbride RFC 2nd XV

All kick-offs 3pm

Marr Rugby’s 3rd XV mind the shop at Fullarton where they welcome East Kilbride RFC’s 2nd XV. With a number of players returning and available for selection the 3s hope to get their league account up and running.

Meanwhile it is road trips for the 1s and 2s.

Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV make the short hop to Millbrae where they take on Ayr’s second string. The 2s face another significant test in these early stages of their campaign in this higher league. They will take heart from last week’s very good performance against Boroughmuir. Ayr likewise will be confident after opening their season with a comfortable away win.

With players returning from injury and other unavailability, the 2s are strengthened in the forwards with the addition of Neil Wallace and Rollo Press. This is countered by the absence in the backs of Ali Walker (sponsored by Lloyd Allam (Autoperfect)), whose performance last week sees him called in to start for the 1st XV. Added to this is the spice of an Ayrshire derby so if you fancy a road trip and the Borders is a bit too far then head down to Millbrae.

Marr Rugby’s 1st XV head to the Borders, for the first of several lengthy road trips - starting with a visit to Riverside Park, to play Jed-Forest. The opening round of the league saw several exceptional results, including Jed’s against Aberdeen Grammar where they lost 68-22. This is undoubtedly the worst result Jed have had over the last couple of seasons and doesn’t reflect the performances that Marr know full well they can deliver. Many Marr Rugby supporters will recall the fixture two years ago when Jed reduced to 14 men for most of the match raised their game and at times appeared to be the side with the extra player advantage. In the end Marr were narrow winners by a single score advantage. Jed-Forest’s senior squad is laced with fire-power and pace; not least the three Young brothers who along with the rest of their teammates will be determined to shake off the bogey of their opening result.

With last week’s centre pairing unavailable (Richard Dalgleish (injury) and Andrew Mill (other commitment)) Marr Rugby’s back line sees Ali Walker added to the starting line-up at inside centre where he will partner Gregor Paxton. In the forwards Mackenzie Pearce, having recovered from injury is added to the bench from where he will be able to bring of the some additional firepower that will be needed to deal with a physically strong and big Jed pack and electric set of backs.

Although it’s only the second round this will be a big test for Marr’s players to see if they can keep the early momentum going.

Mar Rugby 1st XV selection: (Marr 1st XV appearances to date)
1 William Farquhar (75)
2 Stephen Adair (121)
3 Calvin Henderson (1)
4 Dan Law (16)
5 Ewan Hamilton-Bulger (22)
6 Ben Johnston (82)
7 Angus Johnston (93)
8 Ross Miller (16)
9 Ali Hazel (5)
10 Conor Bickerstaff (C) (150)
11 Tom Steven (37)
12 Ali Walker (34)
13 Gregor Paxton (30)
14 Scott Bickerstaff (190)
15 Liam McLoughlin (1)

16 Ollie Rossi (87)
17 Graeme Dick (1)
18 Fraser Grant (132)
19 Mackenzie Pearce (60)
20 Findlay Hazel (1)

Marr Rugby 2nd XV - to be selected from

Grant Clark
Rye McInnes
Jack Scott
Roddy McIntyre
Rudi Marshall
Chris Galloway
Josh Evans ©
Callum Steel
Danny Clark
Rollo Press
Fraser McPherson
Adam McPherson
Callum Craig
Michael Quinn
Mark Allison
Richard McNicol
Neil Wallace
Fraser Miller
Fraser Ferguson

Marr Rugby 3rd XV - to be selected from:

Sean Duff
Neil Campion
Paul Bray
Jack Strang
Shaun Fallows (c)
Graeme Currie
Craig Walker
Scott Grant
Ryann Elliott
Gareth Abbot
Callum Harris
Alistair Barclay
Stephen Beveridge
Martin McMillan
Thomas Watkins
Andrew Mathieson
Ryan Taylor
Ruairidh Bruce
Robert Andrew
Lochlann Mcgregor