On Saturday before and as a warm up to the main event you can rock up to Fullarton to get a preview of Marr Rugby’s 7s squad’s preparations for the forthcoming tournaments, that start with the Melrose 7s on 14/4.

There is a bounce game scheduled – ko 1.30 (ish)

This will be followed by senior XV a side competition.

Marr Rugby’s 3rd XV fly the flag on Saturday for senior rugby as they play the third remaining match of their season and it’s another local derby as the welcome Kilmarnock RFC’s 2nd XV to Fullarton.

The fixture is the latest significant test for Marr Rugby’s 3s as they continue to progress upwards and challenge themselves against stronger opposition. In previous years it’s been 2s v 2s but in recent seasons the progress made within the club at senior level has meant we are improving the strength and depth of senior rugby.

This season the 3s were promoted into West 2 and as the season draws towards the end they can reflect on the fact that they have made a major impact and shown they deserve their place. Currently they sit in third spot and lie just behind Kilmarnock who are occupying second place. The result on Saturday will go a long way to indicating who will end up in the runner up spot at the end of the season.

In the reverse fixture played on 9 September Kilmarnock edged out Marr in a close fought and high scoring match, winning 33 – 29.

Consequently Marr’s players have a point to prove as they aim to balance the books and preserve an impressive home record.

Don Morrison aims to continue his successful run as captain and the coaching team have made some positional changes to test out the opposition. After absence through other commitments Ali Hazel (sponsored by The Lloydies) is selected to play at centre as his brother Findlay (sponsored by Ewan Campbell) holds on to the scrum half berth after several great performances. With the healthy prospect of a strong and stable pack, including man mountain Chris Myers and Titanium man Scott Grant, we expect a perfect attacking platform for some fast rugby action.

Marr Rugby 3rd XV squad selection
15. Thomas Watkins
14. Euan McGerty
13. Ali Hazel
12. John Ferrans
11. Andrew Watson
10. Rory Hugh MacColl
9. Findlay Hazel
1. Jason Munchen Doolan
2. Neil Campion
3. Sean Duff
4. Shaun Fallows
5. Chris Myers
6. Adam McPherson
8. Scott Grant
7. Don Morrison (c)

Replacements
16. Lochlann Mcgregor
17. Jack Strang
18. Paul Bray
19. John Calder
20. Alistair Barclay
21. Robert Andrew
22. Darren Morgan