Match report

With it being almost two years since Marr last visited Biggar and as it took a last play penalty conversion from Rory McGee to secure a Marr victory by a single point there was an air of uncertainty on what might lay ahead for both sides.

Marr’s starting line-up and bench included competitive match debuts for four players; with Gregor Paxton and Tom Steven starting in the backs while, Marr College school leaver, 18 year old Callum Steel (sponsored by Langholm Farm and Tearoom) donned the No 7 shirt previously worn by Don Morrison and Paul Burke and others including, most recently, Kyle Vallance who was unavailable due to another commitment. Craig Baird, another 18 year old Marr College school leaver who has impressed in pre-season training was included in the bench and came on during the second half to replace Callum Steel.

Marr started reasonably well but were undone by eagerness to turn pressure into points. As Marr’s back pressed home an attack deep into Biggar’s 22m area a lightning fast pass missed the intended target and provided a counter-attack opportunity. Biggar took the opportunity and 80 metres later Marr desperately tried to clear their lines. A clearance kick charge down led to first blood going to the home side.

Marr responded with a penalty but this was speedily was cancelled out by the home side. Towards the end of the first quarter Marr finally took a real grip of the proceedings. Increasingly, forward power at the set piece, provided a great platform and on the fifteen minute mark William Farquhar (sponsored by Paul Feeney) crashed through from close range.

A second try quickly followed after Gregor Paxton (sponsored by Finesse Marquees) made a great break into Biggar’s 22m area before being tackled but quick re-cycling allowed the ball to be retained by Marr and Colin Sturgeon scored under the posts.

On the half hour mark Marr extended their lead as some more forward power play ended with Mackenzie Pearce charging through from close range for the first of his brace of tries. Marr continued to press home repeated attacks but these were repelled by a determined defence and the first half closed with the score Biggar 10 – Marr Rugby 24.

In the second half Marr added four further tries as they started to play a more expansive game. Tom Steven had several promising breaks down his wing only to be thwarted by great cover defence before finally finding a way through to the line. On the other wing Scott Bickerstaff managed to shrug off a tackle and run in to score under the posts and Colin Sturgeon completed the try scoring to end the match.

A reasonable start for Marr with several positives and in the coming week the opportunity to work on areas for improvement that will be needed for the first league match, away to on form Edinburgh Accies, where Marr can expect a significant test.

Match scorers
Tries: William Farquhar, McKenzie Pearce (2), Colin Sturgeon (2), Tom Steven and Scott Bickerstaff
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (6)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (1)

Marr Rugby man of the match
Mackenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters)

Marr Rugby – next fixtures: Saturday 3 September 2016 (3pm kick-offs)
1s – away v Edinburgh Accies (league)
2s – home v West of Scotland (league)