See video highlights, including post match reaction from Conor Bickerstaff and Mackenzie Pearce, courtesy of StuMedia here

Marr Rugby’s 1st XV moved the top of NL1 after a comprehensive win against Kirkcaldy who will want to forget their first ever visit to Fullarton.

With nine tries scored and only one in reply it may be thought that Kirkcaldy didn’t turn up but that would be wrong. They worked hard in attack and defence and at times had the advantage of possession and territory. The difference was that Marr more precise in their execution and this led to the tries. Marr’s pack got a real advantage at the set piece scrum and lineout and this provided the backs with a great attacking platform. Kirkcaldy struggled to withstand repeated waves of Marr attacks. Mackenzie Pearce was in top form as he returned to action after an enforced absence. Liam Mcloughlin mastered blustery conditions with a perfect performance in conversion kicks. Findlay Hazel scored two great tries as he exploited gaps in the Kirkcaldy defence as Marr attacks disrupted the defensive lines.

With four matches remaining the title race for NL1 is turning in to a really tight race. Marr and Jed Forest are separated by just three points with GHA and Selkirk still in the running. There’s no margin for error for any of the top four as they try to capture the title.

The final four matches sees the top four clubs face potential banana skins and it’s likely that the final outcome will go down to the wire. Marr are in pole position so it’s up to the squad to ensure they maintain this and not have any further slips.

The run in for Marr isn’t easy and first up is a tricky visit to Braidholm to face fellow title chasers GHA.

Match report by Stephen Allam

Marr secure bonus point win to go back to the top.

Tennent’s National Division 1.

It was a windy day at Fullarton where Marr were kicking into a stiff breeze in the first half against Kirkcaldy, who have yet to win away from home this season.

It took only four minutes for Marr to score their first try, when after a line out and several phases, the Kirkcaldy defence failed to stop Mackenzie Pearce driving over from close range.

Marr’s second try several minutes later came from a great take at the back of the line out from Callum Steel, the ball was passed out the backs with Scott Bickerstaff taking a crash ball to use his significant pace to burst through from 30 metres out.

Kirkcaldy soon struck back, with the wind at their backs and some good territorial kicking from their stand-off, Kirkcaldy forwards managed to gain some possession and from a ruck managed to fly hack a ball through from close range allowing Dale Turner to get the touch down.

Marr soon answered back with a try from number 8 Ross Miller. Marr had won a lineout on Kirkcaldy’s 22m line and after securing the ball and several pick and drives, big Ross was unstoppable to score between the posts.

The bonus point try came after captain Conor Bickerstaff managed to break through the Kirkcaldy defence and threw a great pass to Marr’s flying winger Jack Scott to score in the corner.

Half time 28-5.

Half time must have been pleasing to Marr coach Kenny Diffenthal considering Marr were playing into such a strong and tricky breeze.

Kirkcaldy must have been thinking that their day was going to get much worse now as Marr had the wind advantage. However they were determined to keep the score to a reasonable level.

Marr scored their fifth try again from a line out that Marr’ main targets of Euan Bulger and Callum Steel were totally dominant. Marr’s pack used their pick and drive tactics well and soon Mackenzie Pearce broke a tackle and Marr’s scrum half Findlay Hazel spotted a gap to nip through and score.

Kirkcaldy were dealt a further blow when their flanker was shown a yellow card for deliberate knock on. Marr soon punished the men form Fife with another big carry from Ross Miller to dive over the line to score.

The seventh try was from a move from the training ground, when the ball was switched to the blind side trying to create some space for Scott Bickerstaff who beat two defenders managed to recycle the ball to Finlay Hazel to dash in between two defenders and score his second.

The best try came soon after. Marr’s backs showed some great handling and swiftly passed the ball along the line to young Ry McInnes, who used the created overlap to score a fine try in the corner.

With Kirkcaldy now exhausted from a Marr side that was relentless in its attacking play, the final try was scored again by Ry McInnes, this time the winger managed to beat two defenders and score in the corner.

Marr’s full back Liam Mcloughlin converted nine out of nine conversions, which is a remarkable performance considering the wind and the fact that several of the tries were scored in the corner.

Marr will be pleased with their days work. Their pack took full advantage of their complete dominance in the scrums and line outs. This provided the perfect platform for Marr to score some excellent tries.

Kirkcaldy never gave up during this match, but their focus must be on the relegation battle that they face next week when they take on Cartha Queens Park.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match: Mackenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters Garage)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Mackenzie Pearce; Scott Bickerstaff; Jack Scott; Ross Miller (2); Findlay Hazel (2) and Ry McInnes (2)
Conversions: Liam Mcloughlin (9)

Marr Rugby next fixtures – Saturday 2.3.19
1s – Away v GHA
2s – Home v Hamilton
3s – Away v GHK 2s