In round 10 of the BT Premiership, the 1st XV play the first of the reverse fixtures and face a really tough challenge from in-form visitors Glasgow Hawks. The 2nd XV also have a tricky fixture travelling to Braidholm to play GHA who are third in the table but have the same points as Marr. Last but not least the 3rd XV aim to build on last week’s success as they work towards climbing from their current fourth spot in their league.

Marr Rugby 1st XV preview: It’s another stern test as Marr Rugby’s 1st XV aim to get back to winning ways against a Hawks team that has gained the habit of winning in Ayrshire – having previously beaten Marr at Fullarton and earlier this season comfortably put away Ayr at Millbrae. Added to this, Hawks win in the opening match of the season and last weeks away win against Boroughmuir makes them favourites for the day.

However, this is a backdrop that Marr’s players, coaches and support thrive on. Last week’s performance at Stirling was mixed but there were signs of improvement in a number of areas. Not east we finally managed to create and complete some good attacking opportunities. The error and penalty count still need work but the troops are well aware of this and will aim to get this sorted.

Injury and other unavailability causes changes to the starting line-up and bench. Craig Kolarik will make his 50th 1st XV appearance when he starts in the 10 jersey. Making welcome returns from injury are Stephen Adair (sponsored by Toner and McCartney) and skipper Angus Johnston who resumes his favoured berth at flanker. Greg Jackson is unavailable through injury so Fraser Watt starts and Chris Nisbet provides prop and second row cover as required. So long as there are no last minutes changes - making his debut at Fullarton is Samuela Vunisa. He will become the third pro player to don purple and gold. Fijian born and Italian internationalist, Samu is on a recovery from injury programme and this will be his first match in nine months. He has already been down at Fullarton for a couple of training sessions can play anywhere across the back row…some might say is big enough to be the full back row. We are excited with the prospect of seeing him play and are sure he’ll get a warm reception from those on the ‘Hill’ and the clubhouse touchline.

In the backs the absence of Richard Dalgleish sees a positional shuffle with Conor Bickertsaff moving to outside centre while Toby Buchanan is given his first start at inside centre. After several good performances for the 2s, including three tries against Boroughmuir, Andrew Mill (sponsored by James Kenneth) is called up to the bench.

Marr Rugby 1st XV team selection
15. Dougie Steele
14. Scott Bickerstaff
13. Conor Bickerstaff
12. Toby Buchanan
11. Tom Steven
10. Craig Kolarik - 50th Cap*
9. Kaleem Baretto
1. William Farquhar
2. Ollie Rossi
3. Fraser Watt
4. Ewan Bulger
5. Ross Miller
6. Mackenzie Pearce
8. Samu Vunisa - Club Debut*
7. Angus Johnston ©

Replacements/Substitutes
16. Stephen Adair
17. Chris Nisbet
18. Ross Jackson
19. Max Freydell
20. Andrew Mill

Marr Rugby 2nd XV preview: Marr Rugby 2s head to Giffnock for a second play third tie knowing that GHA will be a tough nut to crack. Marr aim to build on last week’s very good performance and result and captain Josh Evans (sponsored by TR Bonnyman) will ensure his troops are focused for the full eighty minutes.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV team selection:
15. Rudi Marshall
14. Stuart Howie
13. Jack Scott
12. Ali Walker
11. Mac McInnes
10. Rory McGee
9. Gregor Ness
1. Neil Wallace
2. Danny McCulloch
3. Mark Allison
4. Callum Craig
5. Ewan McGerty
6. Danny Clark
8. Josh Evans ©
7. Kyle Vallance

Replacements/Substitutes
TBC

Marr Rugby 3rd XV preview: The 3s are still buzzing after their cracking away win last week against Ardrossan 2s. It was a typical derby match not for the faint hearted but Marr’s squad comprised of combination of youthful and not so young, speedy and skilful players showed great character and determination to secure a bonus point win. They now aim to shift up a gear.

Marr Rugby 3rd XV Team selection:
1. Paul Bray
2. Neil Campion
3. Sean Duff
4. Shaun Fallows
5. Darren Morgan
6. Alistair Barclay
7. Davy Moffat
8. Jason Munchen Doolan
9. Finlay Hazel or Rory MacColl
10. Andrew Mathieson
11. Andrew Dunlop
12. Phil Nicol
13. Martin McMillan
14. Lochlann McGregor
15. Thomas Watkins

Replacements/substitutes
16. Bob Kennedy
17. John Calder
18. Andrew Orr
19. John Ferrans
20. Jack Strang
21. Marty Emslie
22. Jonny Connell