Playing in conditions ideal for windsurfers, Marr Rugby's 1st and 2nd XV players and their opposite numbers from Hamilton showed very good skills and effort to deliver 80 minutes of rugby to an appreciative crowd on the touchlines.

BT National League 1: Marr Rugby 45 - Hamilton RFC 8
BT West Reserve League 1: Marr Rugby 2s 100 - Hamilton RFC 3s 7

With two wins from two the endurance of the heavy rain and gale force winds was worthwhile. The results see 2nd XV move to the top of their league while the 1st XV remain in third spot, just three points off the leaders.

Match reports to follow

See 1st XV match photos here

and even better 1st XV photos courtesy of Jon Pearce here

See 2nd XV match photos here

1st XV match report
With continuing injuries and other unavailability issues, Marr’s starting line-up included Mark Allison in the front row and Gregor Ness on the wing. Kenny Diffenthal retained his place on the bench and was joined Neil Wallace (sponsored by Aspire School of Beauty), who was drafted up at short notice to provide cover at prop and went on to make his 1st XV debut.

Hamilton won the toss and elected to play towards the Courtyard with the gale force wind at their backs. Driving rain provided an added challenge to both sides.

Marr opened the scoring within five minutes after some impressive play with the forwards and backs combining well and effectively playing in the dire conditions. Keeping possession and playing tightly they quickly took play deep into Hamilton’s 22 metre area. A series of close range pick and goes took Marr towards the try line and Conor Bickerstaff (sponsored by CCL Logistics) was unstoppable from his short range charge.

For the following twenty minutes Marr continued to dominate possession and deny Hamilton any advantage from the wind. Their pressure play was forcing Hamilton into conceding repeated penalties. Just after the half hour mark Marr added a second score with a try from Ben Johnston. The play was an attacking scrum about 15 metres out. Marr attacked midfield to close in on the try line and Hamilton’s players were again forced to concede a penalty in the red zone and their fullback was yellow carded. Marr opted for a 5m scrum and a text book number eight pick and go doubled Marr’s score.

Marr capitalised on the numerical advantage to quickly add a third try with Ben Johnston getting the touchdown as they won another close range scrum to provide a perfect attacking opportunity. A pushover try followed. Hamilton closed the first half’s scoring with a converted penalty to reduce the deficit to 19-3 at half-time.

In the second half Marr made very good use of the wind advantage to maintain pressure on Hamilton’s defence and it was only some tenacious tackling that prevented scores from several promising attacks. With pressure being entered it was inevitable that Marr would find gaps. With half an hour left Gregor Paxton sliced through to increase the score by another five points. Ten minutes later, after Hamilton was reduced to 14 players after another yellow card, fullback Rory McGee was brought into an attack to score in the corner. Marr’s final score was a fourth try from Ben Johnston. The play started with a close range attacking scrum. Marr’s pack dominated and provided another number eight pick-up opportunity that was grasped with both hands.

In the final ten minutes Hamilton started to copy Marr’s manner of first half play. Maintaining possession some patient and determined play was rewarded with a consolation try from fullback Andy Wilson.

For Marr it was a very good performance in far from ideal conditions. The added benefit was the opportunity provided to several fringe and new players to enjoy playing for significant parts of the match and the performances they delivered. Marr know there is a long and demanding season ahead and strength and depth in squad will be a critical factor in achieving success. Coach Craig Redpath was delighted with the way his fringe players responded and in particular the shift put in by man of the match Mark Allison

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match: Mark Allison (sponsored by The Poppy Room)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Conor Bickerstaff; Ben Johnston (4); Gregor Paxton and Rory McGee
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (5)

Marr Rugby 2nd XV summary
With several key players drafted up and into the 1st XV’s squad, coach Keith Dunsmuir was forced to rely on a starting line-up that included a significant number of younger players, some of whom, including Euan Ferguson, were making their first appearance of the season. Rudi Marshall shifted from his favoured full-back position to act as cover at scrum half and evergreen Sean Reddix provided some experience and guile in the backs whilst Steven Kirk and Ritchie McNicol (sponsored by the Whisky Jar), provided the experience in a pack that elsewise had an average age of 19 years old.

Playing with the wind behind them Marr quickly exploited the advantage and got in to front foot. Hamilton couldn’t live with Marr’s energy, pace and intensity. Marr’s reward quickly followed as a try scoring avalanche ensued. Hamilton kept plugging away but their players struggled in the face of fierce determination. For Marr the closing stages were particularly impressive as they rattled in repeated tries.

Marr’s overall performance was exemplary. However a couple of players stood out. Josh Evans was introduced in the second half and made his day even more memorable with two tries.

Marr’s win take them to the top of the Reserve West 1 league, a position they will be happy to maintain.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV – man of the match: Callum Steele (sponsored by Langholm Farm Shop and Tearoom)

Marr Rugby – next fixtures (1 October 2016)
1s – away v Dundee (league)
2s - home v Carrick 2s (league)
3s – home v Lenzie 2s (league)