Saturday saw Marr Rugby’s first ever visit to Raeburn Place to meet Scotland’s oldest rugby club and play at the ‘cradle’ of Scottish club rugby and the venue for the first ever Scotland international match. A closely fought and nail-biting encounter ended with Accies camped close to Marr’s try line hammering home attack after attack for a significant period and only some resolute defence prevented them being able to add to their points tally and leaving Marr victorious.

See match photographs at http://www.marrrugby.com/photos/bt-nl1-edinburgh-accies-v-marr-rugby-23-january-20-642193.html

Meanwhile the 2nd XV narrowly lost to Aberdeenshire. With a number of players again called up to provide cover to the 1s and continuing injuries a much changed side had to be fielded. The scratch team delivered an improved performance but only managed to salvage a losing bonus point for their efforts. The 3rd XV suffered from the knock on effect of the upward draft of players to the 2s squad and during the second half ran out of steam allowing top of the table Greenock 2s to rattle in a numbers of tries.

Senior results
BT National League 1: Edinburgh Accies 11 – Marr Rugby 17
BT Reserve National League 2: Marr Rugby 2s 14 – Aberdeenshire RFC 2s 20
BT Reserve League West 2: Marr Rugby 3s 10 - Greenock 2s 42

1st XV match report
Marr Rugby’s first ever visit to the historic cradle of Scottish club and international rugby, Raeburn Place, Edinburgh ended in victory. The win added four vital points to the league tally as Marr remain in the upper tier of NL 1 behind Watsonians, just ahead of hard chasing Dundee and Jed-Forest and with only six matches remaining.

Marr welcomed back from long term injury Mackenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters) but they continued to remain without the services of several key players, including versatile prop Fraser Ferguson who hasn’t recovered from an ankle injury sustained in the recent match against Howe of Fife. In his place Mark Allison was called up from the 2nd XV to provide front row cover.

In the opening quarter of the match Marr held a slight edge but were unable to find a way through a tight defence. Sustaining and surviving this early pressure Accies noticeably grew in confidence and forays into Marr territory were rewarded with a penalty on 23 minutes. In spite of an awkward angle and swirling wind, their 17 year old Scotland age grade stand-off Ben Appleson converted with ease to open the scoring.

Marr quickly struck back and enjoyed several good phases of play but again were countered by Accies determined defence. Their pressure play gained a penalty on half way and Colin Sturgeon’s effort went just wide. Just after the half hour mark Marr finally managed to cut loose. Quick offloading just before the tackle created a gap. With Marr’s backs stacked in numbers on the right wing they had a perfect overlap that was exploited in textbook fashion. Scott and Conor Bickerstaff linked well to carve a way through with Conor finishing off the try. Colin Sturgeon’s conversion was added.

This stung Accies into offensive action and for the next 10 or so minutes Marr were forced to defend deep in their half. Accies efforts gained another converted penalty to reduce the gap at half time to a single point.

The second half saw Marr get off to a storming start. Winning a lineout on Accies 22 metre line Marr released their back row to hit up midfield. Mackenzie Pearce muscled his way through and shrugging off the first and second tackle found himself in clear space. As he raced to the line Accies scrumhalf Alex Glashan assisted by Appleson made a commendable effort to tackle just short of the try line but Mackenzie’s dynamic momentum was too much and after a quick check with his assistant referee George Pounder awarded the try. Colin Sturgeon added the extra two points.

Showing true never say die spirit Accies immediately hit back and gained a converted penalty as a reward for their efforts. With half an hour left and only three points separating the sides, a nail biting finish beckoned.

Marr continued to struggle to break through Accies dogged defensive lines. When they did manage to spread the ball wide Marr’s wingers Scott Bickerstaff and Stuart Howie threatened and although they gained good yards the home side quickly got back to regroup and quell the danger. With fifteen minutes left a high tackle on Scott Bickerstaff was penalised and Colin Sturgeon added three points.

This spurred Accies on to greater offensive efforts and Marr were forced to withstand sustained pressure for the remainder of the match. This included a final five minutes flurry when Accies managed to gain position close to Marr’s try line. As Accies hammered home repeated attacks Marr’s players showed great determination and composure to keep their line intact and importantly win turnover ball at several critical stages to help reduce the pressure.

This included managing to effectively deal with a rolling maul that rumbled over the line under the posts. As bodies collapsed the referee was perfectly positioned to judge that Marr had done enough to win turnover ball. Marr’s resolve was finally rewarded as they cleared their lines and the final whistle sounded.

In a tough league this was one of Marr’s hardest and toughest matches achieving a hard fought but well deserved win. While there is now a short three week break from league fixtures Marr’s attentions turn to cup business and the impending home tie against Howe of Fife.

Marr Rugby man of the match: Conor Bickerstaff (sponsored by CCL Logistics)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Mackenzie Pearce (1) and Conor Bickerstaff (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (2)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (1)

Next fixtures (30 January 2016)
1s – Home v Howe of Fife (cup – 1.30pm kick-off)
3s – Away v Hillhead Jordanhill 2A’s (league (2pm kick-off)