Marr Rugby’s 2nd and 3rd XV’s fixtures were called off due to unplayable pitches at Laigh Bent and Lenzie so it was all eyes on the 1st XV for their visit to Hamilton.

A steady performance and some clinical finishing helped Marr Rugby score none tries and with Colin Sturgeon in fine kicking form the home side and support got little respite and cheer.

Stephen Adair (sponsored by Toner and McCartney) made his 100th appearance for Marr Rugby’s 1st XV and celebrated this with a try.

After Andrew Acton was withdrawn from the squad just before kick-off Mark Allison (sponsored by The Poppy Room) was drafted in to cover and started at prop. During the second quarter William Farquhar made a welcome return after a long term injury absence and capped this off with a rare try.

Marr got off to a flying start and in the opening fifteen minutes had Hamilton under significant pressure. The opening try came on three minutes as a desperate clearance kick only gave short respite as Marr’s backs launched a devastating counter-strike. Stuart Howie (sponsored by Fusion Sportswear) fielded the kick and set off into midfield. He offloaded to Scott Bickerstaff and quick hands afforded Craig Kolark the chance to split open the defence and race towards the line. As he was closed down he offloaded to Conor Bickerstaff whose line and pace of running was perfect as he cut through to score.

Hamilton’s defence was stretched but to their credit they withstood some serious tests. They worked well tracking back to provide cover tackles, with Richard Maxton setting the example that others followed. Their pack worked well at the breakdown and more than once secured turnover ball to help ease the pressure. On fifteen minutes a rare attacking opportunity led to a try to reduce the deficit.

At the end of the first quarter Marr added a second try as a period of phases close to Hamilton’s line ended as Ollie Rossi charged through from close range to touch down.

As Hamilton grew in confidence the following twenty minutes was evenly matched. Just before half time they enjoyed an extended period attacking in Marr’s half. The pressure gained no reward in points as Marr’s defence held firm but in the process hooker, Ollie Rossi, was sin-binned after the referee indicated that he didn’t need any additional advice and guidance on play at the breakdown. Marr’s response was quick as Chris Nisbet (sponsored by Jim McGuffie) led a defensive break out that triggered a series of attacking phases that ended in a penalty that Colin Sturgeon converted.

In the opening ten minutes of the second half, despite being a man down, Marr soaked up Hamilton’s pressure with only a converted try being lost. At the first scrum Stephen Adair was introduced and in the process earned his 100th 1st XV appearance. Marr immediately responded with two quick tries. The first was from William Farquhar and the second quickly followed as Marr launched an attack from the restart. After some surges from the forwards the ball was spread wide and Scott Bickerstaff spotted some space and carved a way through before offloading to Conor Bickerstaff who raced in to score.

For the next fifteen minutes Marr continued to press but Hamilton’s defence was sound. Eventually the pressure was rewarded as Stephen Adair celebrated his milestone with a try. The score came after Chris Nisbet reacted cleverly to a Hamilton knock on to make great use of the advantage and secure possession and get attack going to allow a simple run in from Stephen Adair. This started a steady procession of attacking play that generated tries with Conor Bickerstaff adding his third followed by Tom Steven, Colin Sturgeon and finally Craig Kolarik as Hamilton struggled to constrain Marr’s attacks.

The result sees Marr hold pole position in the league as they look ahead to the final run in of the league and a series of challenging matches ahead.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match – Tom Steven (sponsored by Craig Armour)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Conor Bickerstaff (3); Ollie Rossi; William Farquhar; Stephen Adair; Tom Steven; Colin Sturgeon and Craig Kolarik;
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (8)
Penalty: Colin Sturgeon (1)

Marr Rugby – next fixtures (21 January 2017 – 2pm kick-off)
1s – Home v Dundee
2s – Away v Carrick
3s – Home v Shawlands