Peebles arrived at Fullarton on a high having the previous week delivered a convincing victory against Hillhead Jordanhill, a result that had taken them to fifth place. Sitting only a point behind Watsonians and two behind Dundee, both of whom had already defeated Marr, they were well placed as favourites.

But Marr got off to a flying start with two tries scored in the first 15 minutes. The first followed good pressure play that pegged Peebles back deep in their own half. The ball was spread wide and Scott Bickerstaff took the pass while going at full tilt, stepped past his opposite number and ran into the corner to touch down. Four minutes later as Peebles started to see some more possession and build an attack through midfield they failed to spot Gregor Ness waiting to pounce. As they entered Marr territory and tried to spread the ball wide Ness burst forward to intercept and sprint 60 metres to score in the corner.

Peebles quickly struck back with a converted try after their pack finally showed the form that has helped take them to their league placing. Until this point Marr’s pack had clearly held the upper hand but they were unable to stop a juggernaut rolling maul that made 20 metres and cross the line for a simple try from prop Matt Carryer. This was the first of a brace he got during the match and whilst he made a significant impact in open play he found life much more difficult in the scrum where he was up against Marr’s Fraser ‘Rhino’ Ferguson (sponsored by the Bate Brothers). Ferguson was also in rampant rampaging form in the loose.

On 25 minutes Marr scored a third try with Fraser Grant getting the touch down. The score followed a great passage of play that had seen Marr probe and press across the width of the pitch. Peebles defended well the initial attacks but Marr patiently worked their way through the phases and first Dylan Rowe then Aaron Rankin (sponsored by Mono Consultants) made the telling breaks that unlocked the Peebles defence. As Rankin was tackled just inside the Peebles 22m area he was able to pass the ball to Fraser Grant who was strong enough to fend off the final tackle with a twist and turn and dart into the corner to score.

Marr seemed to be in a purple patch as for fifteen or so minutes they comfortably soaked up Peebles pressure and continued to pose a real threat whenever an attacking opportunity presented. Andrew Gault had a great ghosting run that made 50 metres and took play deep into Peebles half. As Marr closed on the try line with a series of close range drives they let Peebles of the hook as they lost possession after being penalised at a ruck.

Just before half time Peebles prop Carryer got his second try in a similar fashion to his earlier score and the conversion meant that the half ended with Marr enjoying a single point advantage.

Peebles started the second half well and within five minutes took the lead with a converted try. In response Marr upped their game but found Peebles defence even more stubborn. Marr’s only reward for their efforts was a couple of penalty kick opportunities and from these Rory McGee levelled the score. During the final 15 minutes Marr had most of the possession but continued to be unable to find a way through a very steady and disciplined defence. In the final passage of play Marr’s forwards came close to breaking the deadlock with a series of pick and go’s that took play close to Peebles try line. However, on the final phase a slip saw possession lost and the Peebles clearance kick allowed referee Craig Clark to signal full time. Peebles fans breathed a sigh of relief whilst Marr were left very disappointed in the outcome following the effort that had been put in.

Marr man of the match: Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd)

Marr scorers

Tries: Scott Bickerstaff (1), Gregor Ness (1) and Fraser Grant (1)

Penalties: Rory McGee (2)