1st XV report
Marr Rugby’s 1st XV included several changes for their trip to Duffus Park. Kris Kirk made his first start of the season, Kyle Vallance returned from injury and Mark Allison was added to the bench as cover for Chris Nisbet. Marr’s pre-match planning was dealt a blow as on form winger Tom Steven (sponsored by Craig Armour) had to be withdrawn from the starting fifteen doe to an injury sustained during the warm-up. His place was taken by Andrew Mill (sponsored by James Kenneth).

The opening quarter was untidy as both sides struggled to get any real continuity in play. Howe had the edge and took an early lead from a converted penalty. With fifteen minutes on the clock they gained a man advantage as Marr’s Andy Kelly was given a ten minute rest after the referee penalised him for Marr’s repeated infringements at the set-piece scrum. Sensing an immediate advantage Howe opted for a scrum and Kris Kirk was withdrawn to allow Mark Allison to join the front row. Perversely, in the subsequent scrum Marr’s now seven man pack won the advantage as Howe were penalised. From the resulting plays Marr attacked Howe’s try-line and following several promising phases Craig Kolarik (sponsored by Smart Money Scotland) was brought into the attacking line and sliced in to score.

On the half hour mark Howe lost a player to a yellow card after they were penalised for repeated infringements as Marr continued to threaten the try line. In the following ten minutes Marr took full advantage of the extra man and punished Howe with three converted tries. Kris Kirk was unstoppable from a close range charge while Colin Sturgeon’s deft switch in direction wrong footed the defenders. Just on half time Conor Bickerstaff was able to find a gap in what otherwise had been a tight defence to cross and give Marr a healthy half-time lead.

Howe started the second half very well and made a strong comeback, scoring two tries in the third quarter to significantly reduce the deficit as they took full advantage the extra man resulting from Marr’s second yellow card of the day which was issue to Mackenzie Pearce.

On return to full strength Marr were able to reassert control of the match. During its final quarter and under pressure Howe’s penalty count hit double figures. From one of these a driving maul following a line-out allowed Kris Kirk top peel off and double his tally. Ten minutes later Scott Bickerstaff added Marr’s final try following a blistering run down his wing.

The win sees Marr progress to third place in the league.

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

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Craig Kolarik; Kris Kirk (2); Colin Sturgeon; Connor Bickerstaff and Scott Bickerstaff
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (4)

2nd XV report
With a number of players drafted up to support the 1st XV and several other unavailable due to work, injury or other personal commitments, Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV travelled to Hughenden with a squad of only sixteen players. However all stepped up to the mark and coach Keith Dunsmuir was purring with delight and full of praise for the attitude, determination and commitment that his squad of young players delivered, led by captain Rudi Marshall (sponsored by Marshall Transport). Playing against some very experienced opposition, Marr managed to maintain concentration and composure to secure an early lead that they patiently built upon to lead to a comprehensive victory. With an average age of less than 21 the team showed maturity well beyond their years and the win saw Marr secure joint top spot in the league.

Robert Hardie (sponsored by Dual Fitness) impressed and scored a brace of tries before having to retire injured. Man of the match, eighteen year old, Jack Scott showed great composure and maturity well beyond his years as he effectively managed Marr’s attacking play from his stand-off position.

All said and done this was a great display from Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV with a number of players showing signs of promise that indicates they have the real potential of advancing to challenging for positions in the 1st XV.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV man of the match: Jack Scott (sponsored by Troon Rotary Club)

Marr Rugby 2s scorers
Tries: Callum Steele (3); Gregor Ness; Ry McInnes; Robert Hardie (2) and Danny McCulloch;
Conversions: Gregor Ness (3) and Rudi Marshall (2)

Marr Rugby’s senior squad now look forward to some well-deserved rest and recovery before moving to preparations for next week’s home double headers against Hamilton RFC.

3rd XV update
Marr Rugby 3rdXV’s match against Stewarty 2nd XV was conceded by the opposition after Stewarty failed to raise a team

Marr Rugby – next fixtures –Saturday 24 September 2016
1s – home v Hamilton Bulls (league)
2s - home v Hamilton 1827 (league)
3s – away v Paisley 2s (league)