BT Premiership: Marr Rugby v Stirling County RFC (OFF - SAFETY - PITCH & TRAVEL)
BT National Reserve League 1: GHA RFC v Marr Rugby
BT West Reserve League 2: Marr Rugby v Greenock Wanderers 2s (OFF PITCH UNPLAYABLE

Planning for Saturday is continuing at full tilt and so long as the after-effect of the Beast from the East’s visit to Fullarton isn’t as bad as many predict we can look forward to a busy and exciting day of rugby action.

Grant ‘Falcon’ Baird is set to become the latest in the growing number of Marr 1st XV Centurions. Grant got his first cap in 2013 whilst still at Marr College when he played in the RBS Shield semi-final away against Aberdeenshire. Grant had been due to play for the College’s 1st XV but injury to Andrew Bate at training on the Thursday meant that Grant was called in to play. From then his senior rugby career has marched on. He went on to keep the scrum-half berth, playing in the Shield Final at Murrayfield and securing a winners medal. The following week he was back at Murrayfield, this time playing for Marr College and took home a second winners medal.

Grant may be slight of build but he is a terrier who is fearless. Many bigger players have made the mistake of seeing him as the ‘little guy’ to bulldoze through and found themselves face down on the mud with Grant having knocked them over. At the start of this season his university studies saw him head to Iceland and he returned in December. He quickly got back into training and made his BT Premiership debut against Ayr at Millbrae where he quickly showed that he had what it took to play at the top level.

All at Marr Rugby wish him well and look forward to seeing this milestone.

In another milestone, Chris ‘Nizzy’ Nisbet has indicated that the match will be his final appearance for the 1st XV. He’s another key part of the senior squad that has brought so much success to the club and enjoyment to the fans on the touchline. His work career is on the up and up and understandably he needs to concentrate on this. Again all at Marr Rugby say thanks for the service and wish him well and continued success.

Heading back to Saturday - pitch inspections will be needed so please keep following Marr Rugby on the website, Facebook and Twitter…it may well be the case that we put out a call for bodies to help on Saturday morning.

The 3s match will not go ahead – top pitch unplayable with no prospect of improvement

The bottom pitch is borderline – we will check at 2pm tomorrow and if still doubtful at 10 on Saturday morning.

Marr Rugby 1st XV preview: In their final league match of the season the 1st XV welcome Stirling County to Fullarton knowing that a bonus point win is needed to maintain the slender hope of Premier league survival. Meanwhile Stirling will be aiming to end on a high while also continuing their preparation for the BT cup semi-final.

It’s a big ask for Marr and every player will need to be at or near their best and deliver a similar or better performance than the last outing against Currie. Total concentration for the full eighty minutes is essential. Earlier in the season when they visited Bridgehaugh Marr got off to a good start but slipped off the pace as Stirling eventually ran out winners 40-29
a close tight match that the visitors won 12 – 24.

Marr's squad benefits from the inclusion of four Glasgow Warriors. In the starting line-up we have Greg Peterson, Samuela Vunisa and making his debut at Fullarton Lelia Masaga. Greg was on the touchline at Currie last week and after the match indicated he was desperate to play this weekend so we are delighted to see him one again in purple and gold. With Ewan Bulger still recovering from injury the timing of Greg’s availability is perfect to help cover. He’ll partner Ross Miller with Kyle Hatherell waiting on the bench to come on along with Mackenzie Pearce as impact replacements. In the backs the unavailability of Richard Dalgleish means that his usual berth at outside centre will be covered by Marr Rugby’s All Black. Lelia comes in from the wing and alongside Conor Bickerstaff will offer a real attacking threat that is further complimented by our two flying wingers Scott Bickerstaff and Tom Steven.

Marr know well the threat posed by Stirling. They have a well-balanced pack that is able to provide a good attacking platform for some pacy and dangerous backs – including the elusive Kerr Gossman who presented some real problems for Marr in the reverse fixture.
Marr’s strong bench includes Glasgow Warriors trialist hooker Jean-Charles Fidinde. He’s played for France at U20 level and moves to Warriors from Rugby Club Aubenas Vals Ardeche - R.C.A.V.

Marr will need to be on top form as they try to secure a bonus point win while hoping that results elsewhere help maintain the narrow chance of league survival.

Marr Rugby 1st XV selection
1. Greg Jackson
2. Ollie Rossi
3. Fraser Watt
4. Greg Peterson
5. Ross Miller
6. Samuela Vunisa
7. Angus Johnston ©
8. Ben Johnston
9. Grant Baird
10. Rory McGee
11. Tom Steven
12. Conor Bickerstaff
13. Lelia Masaga
14. Scott Bickerstaff
15. Craig Kolarik

Replacements/Substitutes
16. Jean-Charles Fidinde
17. Chris Nisbet
18. Kyle Hatherell
19. Mackenzie Pearce
20. Dougie Steele/Kaleem Baretto