Senior results
Tennent's NL1: Selkirk RFC 14 - Marr Rugby 13
Tennent's Reserve West 1: Marr Rugby 3s 17 - Allan Glen's 2s 31

Disappointment all round for Marr. At Philliphaugh the 1s quickly opened scoring but then were unable to find a way through what became an impenetrable defence. As Selkirk grew in confidence they made the going tough for Marr and edged out deserved winners on the day.

Meanwhile at Fullarton the 3s allowed Glen's to gain a commanding lead that they couldn't claw back despite some determined efforts.

Due to gaps in front row cover, including Ritchie McNicol being called up to 1s to cover for injured Ollie Rossi the 2s fixture had to be cancelled.

Marr Rugby 1st XV match photos here

1st XV match report by Stephen Allam

Marr suffer narrow defeat to determined Selkirk.

It was a very wet and dreary day in the Borders for this tough test for Marr to keep their momentum going in this Tennent’s National 1 match.

Marr kicked off and immediately gained ground with some determined driving and close forward play. After four minutes Marr had a 5 metre line out and looked to take advantage. The ball was skilfully taken in the lineout by Fraser Grant and the resulting rolling drive crossed the Selkirk line with Ross Miller emerging as the try scorer. Liam Mcloughlin converted to give Marr the perfect start.

After 10 minutes Marr increased their lead with Liam Mcloughlin converting from 35 metres out.

Shortly after, Selkirk cleared their lines with a long clearance kick well into the Marr half. Marr counter attacked , however they lost the ball in contact which resulted in the ball bouncing into Selkirk’s Scott McClymont’s hands and the wing forward showed a clean pair of heels to sprint in unchallenged from 60 metres out to put Selkirk on the score sheet.

Both teams’ defences were showing grit and determination with both sides attacks being neutralised at every opportunity.

As the first half drew to a close Selkirk were awarded a penalty 45 metres out, that Selkirk’s David Cassidy converted to make the half time score Marr 10 Selkirk 8.

The second half started in the same manner as the first half with both defences thoroughly on top.

Selkirk won a further penalty after Marr’s forwards were penalised for holding onto the ball, giving Selkirk the lead.

Marr immediately bounced back by scoring another penalty by their young full back Liam Mcloughlin.

The game continued in the same vein with both teams now kicking for territory to try and penetrate each other’s defences.

Marr now brought on Andrew Mill for Findlay Hazel and swapped Ben Johnston with Josh Evans however the game continued in the same pattern

With the game now coming to close, Selkirk won their last penalty, that their veteran full back gladly converted to make the score Selkirk 14 Marr 13.

Marr now threw everything they had at Selkirk but to no avail.

When the Referee finally blew his whistle for full time, it was the Selkirk players that were celebrating.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match: Calvin Henderson (sponsored by AG Peters, Garage & Bodyshop)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Try: Ross Miller
Conversion: Liam McLoughlin
Penalties: Liam McLoughlin (2)

Marr Rugby next fixtures – 20.10.18
1s – Home v GHA
2s – Home v Melsrose
3s – Away v West of Scotland 2s