After the three week break caused by the Autumn International series Marr Rugby’s 1st and 2nd XV’s returned to league action. Both sides enjoyed good wins that maintained their challenges at the top of their respective leagues. At the midpoint of the season the 1s are on equal points with Edinburgh Accies who hold pole position courtesy of a three point advantage in the points scored/conceded differential. The 2s sit top on equal points with GHK but have played a game less. Whilst there is a great deal of rugby still to play both Marr sides have shown great effort, skill levels and promise and as they now turn into the reverse legs know that the level of performance delivered so far must be at least maintained and if possible improved.

Marr Rugby 1st XV match summary: Marr Rugby’s 1st XV enjoyed a good test against a sparky GHA side whose style of play posed some serious challenges. Marr started brightly and played with the intensity and the tempo that the coaches have been calling for. Early pressure was rewarded with a converted try in five minutes after Kris Kirk (sponsored by the Anchorage Hotel) barged through from close range.

GHA responded quickly and their pressure forced Marr to concede a penalty close to their try line and Ross Findlay converted. For the next ten or so minutes the match was evenly balanced. As the end of the first quarter approach GHA lifted their tempo and once again Marr found themselves under some pressure deep in their own half. The pressure forced a couple of careless penalties and generated a warning from referee Neil Muir. In the following play Dan Law was penalised for a tackle and as a result sin-binned. GHA were unable to capitalise on the extra man advantage and in fact it was Marr who took the initiative and enjoyed a good phase of attacking play. They were rewarded with a converted penalty and on the half hour mark a converted try after Conor Bickerstaff (sponsored by CCL Logistics) jinked his way through GHA’s defence on the narrow side after several close range pick and goes from Marr’s pack.

From the start of the second half Marr maintained their momentum. Within five minutes Conor Bickerstaff added a second try and approaching the quarter hour mark Angus Johnston got try number four. This followed some impressive 15 man flowing rugby.

With twenty five minutes remaining Marr suffered a setback as Dan Law received a second yellow card following a high tackle. This automatically converted into a red card and gave GHA numerical advantage. They worked hard to exploit this and Marr had to defend for extended periods. Despite their best efforts GHA found Marr’s defensive wall impenetrable until the final play of the match. In between Marr added a fifth try following a mesmerising 40 metre run from Gregor Paxton who weaved his way through GHA’s defence dodging five attempted tackles along the way.

All in all it was a very good performance from Marr’s squad and the work out sets them up nicely for the next match that sees them welcome Edinburgh Accies to Fullarton for a top of the table clash.

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

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Kris Kirk; Conor Bickerstaff (2); Angus Johnston and Gregor Paxton
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (4)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (1)

Marr Rugby 2nd XV match summary: Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV demolished Dumfries with a first half performance that saw them establish a 41 point lead. Murray Beckwith was first on the try score sheer and eight others followed during the match. In the second half Dumfries rallied and finally got on the score sheet adding two tries but Marr responded well scoring three in the process. Overall a great win on the road and another bonus point win. This sees the 2nd XV with a 100% record with 11 bonus point wins in 11 game.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV man of the match Ali Walker (sponsored by Lloyd Allam)

Marr Rugby 2nd XV scorers
Tries: Murray Beckwith; Fraser Grant; Fraser Ferguson; Gordon Hill; Jack Scott, Ali Walker; Danny McCulloch; Josh Evans and Callum Steel
Conversions: Rudi Marshall (2); Murray Beckwith (2) and Jack Scott (1)

Marr Rugby next fixtures: (Saturday 10.12.16 (2pm kick-offs))
1s – home v Edinburgh Accies (league)
2s – away v West of Scotland (league)