Marr Rugby’s final match of the first half of the league campaign involved a visit from an improving Hillhead Jordanhill side intent on getting their first league win. In recent weeks Hills have strengthened in a number of playing positions and their results have significantly improved. With Marr Rugby’s players still settling into this first season in the second tier and facing an experienced club determined to cling on to their spot in the league the scene was set for a nervous but compelling encounter.

And so it turned out to be. Both clubs delivered eighty or so minutes of at times sublime and clinical but more often frenetic play that frequently was disjointed by errors and disrupted by frenzied defence and compounded by imperfect decisions at the breakdown.
Marr’s preparations took an early blow when Ben Johnston was withdrawn from their starting line-up after a last minute call up to join the Ayr side playing at Millbrae following a knock on request to release a Warrior’s player. Unfazed, Marr coach Craig Redpath reshuffled. Dylan Rowe was promoted from the bench and Ali Walker drafted in to join the replacements.

Hills started strongly and within three minutes took the lead from a penalty struck home by their impressive Croation international side captain Nic Jurisic. Marr responded well to the early set-back but quickly realised that Hills defensive play was well organised and loaded with determined players willing to throw everything in to break up attacks. Referee Ian Kenny’s whistle was repeatedly brought into action and as a consequence any attempts to get some rhythm of phases of play going were defeated.

However, Marr preserved and after 15 minutes they found themselves deep in Hills territory. Winning several penalties they chose a route one approach and eventually captain Stephen Adair (sponsored by Footprint Energy) forced a way through from close range.

Just after the start of the second quarter Fraser Grant added a second, this time converted, try. Marr’s Stuart Howie retired through injury and Craig Redpath had to do a further shuffle of positions to cover. Johnny McClung was introduced at centre and Scott Bickerstaff switched to the wing. On the half hour Paul Burke was brought on for Kris Kirk. Shortly after this change Marr pressure paid off with another penalty that Rory McGee converted to stretch the lead to 15-3.

This stung Hills into offensive action and just before half-time they scored a try that was converted to narrow the gap to five points.
Play during the second half was even more disjointed and scrappy than the first 40 minutes. With Hills defence getting even stronger and more committed, Marr’s offensive plays were quickly and effectively disrupted. Rory McGee converted a penalty kick to extend the lead. With 30 minutes left Marr finally managed to get some decent phases of possession and scored their third try through Dylan Rowe. By this time Hills were struggling at the set piece scrum while in the loose both sides were repeatedly adjudged to have infringed at the breakdown.

As play entered the final quarter Hills casualty count in replacements significantly grew. This included several front row players and disappointingly the sides had to switch to uncontested scrums. This nullified what had been one of Marr’s areas of strength and advantage.

In the face of continuing solid and steady defence Marr’s forwards and backs finally went to work. Play was spread left and right and Marr’s man of the match William Farquhar led the way by example. He made a couple of great breaks that split open the defence and took Marr into scoring territory. Throughout the match, as in previous games, his work rate was phenomenal and he continued to show excellent running and ball skills.

With five minutes left Marr’s pressure finally brought reward as Fraser Ferguson crashed through from close range for a converted try.

The final few minutes saw a return to the frenetic play from both sides that had been a feature of the match.

The victory for Marr meant eighth position in the league was maintained. Hills continue to languish at the bottom but based on performance and commitment they will soon start to take points from the other teams they meet.

Meanwhile Marr face another three critical matches – with the first at home against Dundee High School FP’s who enjoyed a five try to one win against GHA at Braidhiolm - a feat few clubs can match.

Marr Rugby’s man of the match: William Farquhar (sponsored by Glenn Davis)

Marr scorers
Tries: Stephen Adair (1); Fraser Grant (1); Dylan Rowe (1) and Fraser Ferguson (1)
Conversions: Rory McGee (2)
Penalties: Rory McGee (2)