Marr Rugby's 1st XV's opening home game ended with a home bonus point win. Man of the match Ben Johnston was in devastating form and scored four of Marr's eight tries.

Whilst Marr enjoyed a comprehensive win they were also able to take some clear lessons from the match on areas for improvement that will need to be addressed to enable the team to progress towards delivering its full potential.

From kick off Stewart’s Melville came out with all guns blazing and their efforts and determination was rewarded within five minutes with a converted try, scored by Ali Greig.

Marr made an immediate response. From the restart they pressured Stewart’s Melville into conceding a penalty. Marr kicked to the corner and from the lineout a promising attack came unstuck and Stewart’s Melville was awarded a scrum near their try line. Marr’s pack made amends on the earlier slip as they shoved their opponents off their own ball and Ben Johnston, picking up at number eight, was unstoppable from a close range charge. A rare missed conversion kept Stewart’s Melville holding a slender lead. For the remainder of the first quarter Marr was forced to defend deeply as Stewart’s Melville pressed home repeated attacks.

As the half hour mark approach Marr’s perseverance started to bring results. An increasingly solid platform provided by pack allowed Marr’s pacey back line to start to find and exploit defensive gaps. Marr’s front row trio; Fraser Ferguson, (sponsored by Waddell and Mackintosh), making his 150th appearance for Marr Rugby’s 1st XV, along with Chris Nesbit and Stephen Adair started to get the edge on their opposite numbers and this set the tone for the forwards pressure and advantage.

Danny Clark (sponsored by Callachan’s Health Studios) made a 35m midfield break and took play into Stewart’s Melville’s half. Quick re-cycling maintained the momentum and took play close to the try line. After several phases Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd) was able to slice through from close range and double Marr’s try score.

Stewart’s Melville hit back with some threatening breaks, Euan Morrison being particularly problematic for the defence. They were unlucky as a clear line break allowed them to cross Marr’s try line but the golden opportunity was spoiled as Ali Grieg moved from hero to villain as he failed to properly touch down for a try. Marr took the let-off with both hands and immediately cleared their lines.

Just before half time Marr finally got into gear and effectively ended the contest with three tries scored in seven minutes. Marr’s pressure play was rewarded by several penalties and they took these opportunities to gain field position to attack Stewart’s Melville’s line. Once again Ben Johnston was unstoppable from close range. His lead was quickly followed by Marr’s skipper Angus Johnston (sponsored by A1 Skips). He broke through a midfield tackle and galloped home from 40m to score under the posts. Just on half time Scott Bickerstaff was brought into the match as an attacking option and he responded with a try. The play was started as Tom Steven put in a crunching tackle to win turnover ball and from the counter attack Angus Johnston supported by Ewan Bulger took play deep into Stewart’s Melville’s 22m area. Quick re-cycling enabled Colin Sturgeon to put in a cross kick and Scott collected the ball and thundered in to score.

In the second half Marr continued to dominate and it was only resolute defence that prevented several additional scores. Marr were restricted to three more scores including a rare one scored by Chris Nesbitt (sponsored by Jim McGuffie), who was unstoppable from a close range charge.

With less than ten minutes left Marr’s final score was a try from Ben Johnston who picked up from a close range scrum and shrugged off two tacklers to cross and score.

In reply Stewart’s Melville showed great character as they continued to fight for every ball and opportunity. Their efforts were finally rewarded with a last play converted try scored by the impressive Euan Morrison.

Marr’s overall performance and the result was a step up and provided the players the opportunity to reflect on the improvement and what else was needed to reach the squad’s potential.

Next week they face a tricky way match to Cupar where they face Howe of Fife RFC and they now that they need to be on or near top form to ensure the momentum is maintained.

Marr Rugby man of the match: Ben Johnston (sponsored by Sir James Armour)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Ben Johnston (4); Colin Sturgeon; Angus Johnston; Scott Bickerstaff and Chris Nisbet
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (6)

Marr Rugby's 2nd XV's match against Glasgow Accies went ahead as a friendly after Accies could not manage to field a full fifteen and conceded the points. Both sides took the opportunity for some much welcome and needed match practice.

Marr Rugby – next fixtures: 17 September 2016 (3pm kick-offs)
1s – away v Howe of Fife (league
2s – away v Hillhead Jordanhill (league)
3s – home v Stewartry 2s (league)