The huge crowd that turned out on a sunny day at Fullarton for Marr’s opening game match was entertained by an intense display of fast, hard and extremely physical rugby from both teams. Facing one of the league’s strongest sides, whose numbers included former Scotland and British Lions star Simon Taylor, Marr’s squad refused to let themselves be overawed and competed well from start to finish. During the match both sides had an almost equal amount of attacking opportunities but the difference was Watsonians ability to make better use of theirs and clinically finish off to score.

Watsonians immediately laid down a marker of intent when from the kick-off their pressure play resulted in a penalty that was well within kicking range to take a three point lead. Marr quickly responded with a try created by man of the match Gregor Ness, playing again at scrum half, after he picked up from the base of the scrum and set off on a lung-bursting 40 metre break up the blindside, sprinting past defenders. As he was finally closed down he was able to pass to Scott Bickerstaff who was on hand to complete the move with a try which went to on be converted. However, Marr’s lead was short lived. Watsonians opened their try account with an attack from midway that started after winning lineout ball and quickly feeding this into midfield where their impressive number 8, Rory Drummond charged into and through Marr’s defence and with plenty of support on hand a converted try was the end result.

After 15 minutes Watsonians stretched their lead with a further converted penalty.

The first quarter ended with some great work from Marr’s forwards and backs. Playing at fullback Stuart Howie showed great pace and strength with a break that saw him close towards Watsonians line. With Aaron Rankin alongside only some desperate defence prevented a try. Watsonians efforts to prevent the try conceded a penalty and Marr opted to take three points and narrow the gap.
The second quarter’s play was very evenly matched. As it looked as though the half would end with no further addition to the score in a re-run of their first try Watsonians Rory Drummond repeated his earlier break and burst open Marr’s midfield defence to run in under the posts for a converted try.

Early in the second half Marr’s cause took a couple of dents when influential Scott Nimmo was yellow carded and lively Fraser Grant (sponsored by Fastnet Developments Ltd) retired injured after taking a very heavy knock. For the ten minutes they were reduced to 14 men, Marr’s defence was exceptional as they withstood repeated Watsonians attacks. Despite the pressure Marr’s discipline was also very good and they only conceded a single kickable penalty that gave Watsonians a further three points.
Restored to a full side Marr again took the initiative and pressured deep inside Watsonians half. However, a momentary lapse allowed Watsonians to regain possession and break out from deep to score a converted try. A penalty was added to further stretch the lead.

As the match drew towards a close both sides continued to play with the same determination and intensity that had been a feature throughout. Watsonians scored a further try and showing true grit Marr got the final say. Rory McGee (sponsored by the Harbour Bar) finally managed to unlock what had been a tight and secure defence and sprint into the defenders 22m area. With close support the ball was passed through several hands and Gregor Ness completed the attack with a try which was converted.
This was the final play of the match the referees end game whistled saw two exhausted teams whose players had given their all depart the field. Prior to the start of the season Watsonians was one of the hot tips for a promotion place and based on their overall performance this seems like a reasonable bet. Meanwhile Marr continue to get a real sense of what is required to play at this level. Despite the results from the opening two matches Marr head coach Craig Redpath is positive about the attitude, commitment and effort shown by his squad. Following two of the hardest tests they will face this season the players have quickly been able to get a sense of what they now need to do to ensure they see some reward in the form of points for the effort they are putting in.

Marr man of the match: Gregor Ness (sponsored by Bearing Gifts)

Marr scorers
Tries: Scott Bickerstaff (1) and Gregor Ness (1)
Conversions: Rory McGee (1)
Penalties: Rory McGee (1)

2nd XV update: Table toppers!

BT Reserve League West 1: Dalziel (2s) 13 Marr Rugby (2s) 43

A comprehensive display saw Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV make it three wins from three to jointly top their league table alongside GHK.

3rd XV update: Frustration for 3s

Mar Rugby’s 3rd XV match away against Clydebank 2s had to be postponed due to referee unavailability. The match will be rescheduled.

Marr Rugby - Next fixtures (Saturday 20 September 2014 – all 3pm kick-offs)

1st XV – away v Stewarts Melville (league)
2nd XV – home v Kilmarnock 2s
3rd XV – home v Cambuslang 2s