Marr Rugby’s 1st XV took the club to new heights as they secured the league title and promotion to the BT Premiership following a bonus point win at Braidholm.

Going into the match Marr held a slender four point advantage of hard chasing Edinburgh Accies and knew that GHA presented a real challenge as they focused on securing the points needed to ensure the title came to Fullarton.

Marr’s Purple and Gold army of supporters descended en masse to become the extra player for the team. Over 500 hundred were in fine voice and roared the team home to victory.

Marr’s first half performance sealed the title as they opened up a 3 – 27 lead and William (Wilko) Farquhar (sponsored by Paul Feeney) grabbed the fourth try that secured the bonus point that saw
Marr cross the line.

Marr started well and within two minutes opened the scoring after early pressure earned a penalty and Colin Sturgeon slotted the kick home. The following quarter hour saw both sides had opportunities snuffed out by good defence or over eager/ambitious passing. As the first quarter drew to a close Marr managed to exert pressure deep in GHA territory. Kris Kirk made a good break but GHA’s cover defence was sound. Marr kept up the momentum and earned a penalty near to the try line. Mackenzie Pearce’s quick tap and go saw him held up just short of the line. Marr recycled and once Stephen Adair (sponsored by McCartney and Toner) received the ball there was no stopping him as be bulldozed aside defenders to score the opening try. GHA responded quickly and gained a penalty that was converted to reduce the deficit. Ironically this seemed to settle Marr and for the rest of the first half they hit a purple patch and create opportunities that caused real problems for GHA’s defence.

Just before the half hour mark Conor Bickerstaff added a try as he got on the end of a good passing move that created some space out wide. He outstripped the defence and with a lightning fast arcing run scored under the posts. Marr continued to press but GHA’s defence was solid.

As half-time approached Marr won a scrum against the head and Ben Johnston make a break for the try line only to be stopped by some ferocious tackling. Marr’s pack was in close support and Stephen Adair took possession and a route one approach to break through the final defenders and score. From the restart Marr added more misery to the home side and jubilation for the Marr support as an immediate attack of fast flowing and passing play ended with the bonus point try as William Farquhar broke free from midfield and showed great pace to run in, shrugging off tackles an score from 20 metres.

At the start of the second half GHA showed their attacking capabilities as they applied pressure and within five minutes scored as try that cheered up their support. The joy only lasted a minute or so as from the restart Conor Bickerstaff set off on another blistering run to break open the defence and as the cover defence scrambled back he passed perfectly out of the tackle to co-centre Gregor Paxton who was able to finish off by sprinting in for a try in the corner.

At this point some light rain turned into a deluge that lasted through to the end of the match. This made conditions really tricky for good handling and running rugby. Despite the change both sides showed great ball skills as they tried to keep playing an expansive game. GHA clawed back another try only to see the advantage cancelled out as Scott Bickerstaff scored in reply.

As the match drew to a close GHA had the final say in scoring with a third try.

After the final whistle the BT National League 1 trophy was presented to Marr by Scottish Rugby council member Doug Ward.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match: Ben Johnston (sponsored by Professor Sir James Armour)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Stephen Adair (2); Conor Bickerstaff; William Farquhar; Gregor Paxton and Scott Bickerstaff
Conversions: Colin Surgeon (2)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (1)

Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV’s league fixture against Dumfries was called off on Saturday morning after the Dumfries failed to raise a team. Marr will be awarded a 28 – 0 win and the points.

Marr’s attention now turns to 7s business as a squad is assembled to play in the prestigious Melrose 7s tournament. After last year’s debut the club has been invited back for the tournament on 8 April.