BT Premiership: Marr Rugby v Melrose RFC (2pm kick off)
BT National Reserve League 2: Marr Rugby v Selkirk RFC (2pm kick off)
BT West Reserve League 2: Marr Rugby v Hillhead/Jordanhill RFC (2pm kick off)

Match sponsor Investec

NOTE – 2s and 3s matches being played at Marr College Playing Fields

It’s another full on day of rugby Saturday as all three Marr Rugby senior teams are in home action. The recent deluge of rain makes the top pitch at Fullarton unplayable so the 2s and 3s matches have been switched to the College Playing Fields.

With more heavy rain forecast overnight Friday and continuing on Saturday – pitches will be subject inspection on Saturday morning. Check the website and Facebook page/Twitter feed for any changes.

Marr Rugby 1st XV preview: Round 16 of the BT Premiership sees Melrose RFC make their first appearance at Fullarton. They arrive as league leaders enjoying a significant point advantage over their rivals. Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture they were comfortable winners so Marr have their work cut out.

Injuries and other unavailability cause several changes from the squad who performed so well last week. In the pack Greg Jackson and Fraser Watt start at prop and they are joined by Stephen Adair covering hooker. Mackenzie Pearce returns to start in the back row. The replacements include Fraser Ferguson (sponsored by Waddell & Mackintosh) who is likely to make his Premiership debut. Chris Nisbet makes a timely return after extended absence due to work commitments. In the backs and after a great performance last week, Grant Baird retains the scrum-half slot. Dougie Steele is unavailable so Toby Buchanan covers fullback while after several good performances for the 2s, Gregor Ness is added to the bench.

This Saturday Marr’s players know they have to patient, precise, reduce their error count, have a stable set-piece, be tight in defence and convert pressure into points. They can’t afford to let Melrose cut loose so we can expect a tight match – where weather conditions may also become a significant factor as both sides try to play in heavy rain.

Marr Rugby 1st XV selection
1. Greg Jackson
2. Stephen Adair
3. Fraser Watt
4. Ewan Bulger
5. Ross Miller
6. Mackenzie Pearce
7. Angus Johnston ©
8. Ben Johnston
9. Grant Baird
10. Craig Kolarik
11. Tom Steven
12. Conor Bickerstaff
13. Richard Dalgleish
14. Scott Bickerstaff
15. Toby Buchanan

Replacements/Substitutes
16. Chris Nisbet
17. Fraser Ferguson
18. Kyle Hatherell
19. Fraser Grant
20. Gregor Ness

Marr Rugby 2nd XV preview: With several key players for the 2s called up to support the 1s – coach Keith Dunsmuir has to make a number of changes as he prepares his squad for one of their toughest test of the season. Selkirk is the only side so far this season to have beaten league leaders Hawick so Marr know they are in what will be a hard battle as they aim to continue to chase the top spot. Selkirk’s record at Fullarton is impressive and they will also be fired up to avenge the defeat Marr inflicted in the reverse fixture.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV selection:
1. Neil Wallace
2. Ritchie McNicol
3. Mark Allison
4. Euan McGerty
5. Callum Craig
6. Adam McPherson
7. Callum Steel
8. Danny Clark
9. Finlay Hazel
10. Chris Galloway
11. Mac McInnes
12. Andrew Mill
13. Jack Scott
14. Ry McInnes
15. Murray Beckwith

Replacements/Substitutes
16. Danny McCulloch
17. Ali Hazel
18. Robbie Hardie
19. AN Other
20. AN Other

Marr Rugby 3rd XV preview: The 3rd XV play host to Hillhead Jordanhill and aim to get the books balanced after a Hills/Jills win in the reverse fixture. Marr field a strong and experienced squad but know the dangers posed by the visitor’s side laced with youth and pace.

Marr Rugby 3rd XV selection
1. Sean Duff
2. Neil Campion
3. Paul Bray
4. Shaun Fallows
5. Darren Morgan
6. Don Morrison (c)
7. Fraser McPherson
8. Jason Munchen Doolan
9. Andrew Watson
10. Marc Tracey
11. Martin McMillan
12. Andrew Dunlop
13. Scott Grant
14. Lochlann Mcgregor
15. Gareth Abbot

Replacements/substitutes
16. John Calder
17. Graeme Currie
18. Chris Helton
19. Gordon Anderson
20. Robert Andrew
21. Alistair Barclay
22. Thomas Watkins