Marr Rugby round-up (20.1.18) – Marr Rugby 1s have to make do with a bonus point as Ayr withstand second half surge and 2s match postponed while honours even for Marr Rugby 3s against Dalziel

BT Premiership: Ayr RFC 33 - Marr Rugby 22
BT National Reserve League 2 – Hawick RFC v Marr Rugby postponed (snow)
BT West Reserve League 2: Marr Rugby 17 – Dalziel RFC 17

See 1s match photo's here

Marr Rugby’s 1st XV’s battle plan got off to the worst possible start as they lost two influential players to injury in the opening minutes and conceded two tries. With only three minutes on the clock Will Farquhar made his first trademark bulldoze charge and as he was tackled by three Ayr players he landed awkwardly and sustained a leg injury that forced his retirement. His replacement Fraser Watt was equally unfortunate as he was forced to retire with a neck injury with less than ten minutes played. This meant that Greg Jackson was switched to prop and James Malcolm introduced to cover at hooker.

As Marr tried to re-organise Ayr’s Scott Lyle showed his potential to progress to higher rugby status as he single-handedly started to create holes in the defence. Deft chip kicks and hacks into space were followed by electric pace and desperate defence. His efforts were rewarded by a try coming from a kick and chase on eight minutes that he duly converted. Throughout the match he was Ayr’s main kicker from set-piece and hand and he repeatedly punished Marr as he pushed them back forty metres or more with precision accuracy causing the surrender of hard fought ground.

Ayr’s scrum-half David Armstrong was second on the try score sheet as he peeled off a lineout just inside Marr’s half and spotted a huge gap. Side-stepping Ross Miller he went full throttle into space and raced in to score under the posts

Marr valiantly fought back and just after the start of the second quarter their efforts were rewarded with a try from Grant Baird who was in the middle of a mass pile over in the corner. This sparked a minor rammy as the home side took umbrage at losing the score. Referee Brain Blain was circumspect as he called both sides to order and simply issued a reminder of what he expected.

As the dust settled Scott Lyle was once again Marr’s nemesis with another clever kick into space that led to Ayr’s third try. Marr refused to yield and within five minutes Richard Dalgleish mirrored Lyle’s approach as he latched on to a loose ball , hacked ahead and followed through to collect the ball and race in to score. Just before half-time Ayr scored their fourth try to end the half leading 28-10.

The third quarter was scoreless. Marr enjoyed dominance in possession and territory but were withheld from scoring by a determined defence that simply soaked up the pressure.

At the start of the second quarter Ayr struck again with another try as they won turnover ball and countered from a Marr attack.

This set up a final flurry with Marr stepping up a gear and again dominating possession. Two consolation tries, scored by Angus Johnston and Ross Miller, was their reward. While this secured a try bonus point it wasn’t enough as Ayr managed to stall Marr’s growing momentum and wind down the clock to secure the win.

From a Marr perspective there was another sense of ‘if only’ whilst Ayr will relish the way they took their chances well.

Pluses for Marr was another never say die performance and the way in which Grant Baird performed in his Premiership debut. The ‘Falcon’ didn’t look out of place and based on his performance he’s likely to add to his ‘caps’ before the season ends.

Mathematically Marr aren’t out of the race but realistically they have shifted further on to thinner ice as opportunities to salvage their season slip away.

Next week they have the challenge of taking on league leader Melrose in their hunt for points to secure survival.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match – Grant Baird

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries – Grant Baird; Richard Dalgleish; Angus Johnston and Ross Miller
Conversions – Dougie Steele (1)

Meanwhile at Fullarton the 3s secured a hard fought and well-deserved 17-17 draw against Dalziel. Man of the match Chris Myers was outstanding and along the way scored a try as Marr fought well against much improved and strong opposition.

Marr Rugby 3rd man of the match – Chris Myers

Marr Rugby 3rd XV scorers
Tries – Scott Grant (2) and Chris Myers
Conversions – Andrew Watson (1)

Finally, Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV’s table top clash was beaten by the weather with Hawick unplayable due to snow. Details of the re-arranged fixture to follow.

Marr Rugby next fixtures – 27 January 2018
1s – Home V Melrose
2s – Home V Selkirk
3s –Home V Hillhead/Jordanhill