BT National League 1 Marr Rugby – 24 GHA – 24

In the second top against second bottom clash Marr Rugby’ players refused to let themselves be overwhelmed. With only ten minutes of the match left and in the face of a 12 point deficit they showed great mental and physical strength to claw their way back to score twice and secure two vital points.

As the season moves into the home straight Marr Rugby needed to start securing points to help move them away from the relegation spots and the GHA result may well be pivotal in the fight ahead.
GHA arrived at Troon as clear favourites, with an almost full strength squad, buoyed with confidence of their dominant league position and recent performances. With continuing injuries Marr’s coaches were delighted to welcome into the squad for their first outings of the season Andy Kelly (sponsored by Paul Feeney) and Angus Johnston to bolster a pack that in recent weeks has been left battered and bruised. In the backs, the experience of Aaron Rankin & Johnny McClung was available after returns from injury

From the start it was clear that Marr’s players weren’t going to be overawed or steamrolled. During the first half, although Marr enjoyed most of the territory and possession GHA’s defence was well up to the stress test and not willing to concede any ground in the final quarter of the pitch. They were content to concede penalties rather than leave themselves open to a breach of their try line. Marr had to make do with four kickable opportunities and from these Rory McGee converted to give Marr 12 points for their efforts.

During the period GHA had limited attacking opportunities but again showed their prowess with a clever backs move that resulted in a try for flying winger Euan Greer. Marr’s pack was in fine form although they had to deal with the early loss to injury of Fraser Grant and then Ben Johnston.

As the second half got underway GHA laid down a marker with significant improvement in their packs contribution. Early pressure was rewarded with a penalty conversion that was quickly followed by a try to take them into the lead. Over the following 15 minutes they added a further three penalties to their tally as Marr struggled to withstand the pressure. During this time Andy Kelly was sin-binned but his teammates rallied and ensured their try line remained intact. As the 70 minutes mark passed Marr returned to full numbers however around the same time lost influential back Aaron Rankin to injury.

In the face of adversity Marr’s players dug deep into their resolve and their efforts paid off as they played the final ten minutes with intensity that will need to become the norm. Attacking at pace and across the field they finally unlocked the stubborn GHA defence with Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd) slicing through to score a try near the posts. Unfortunately GHA fullback Andrew Gilman managed to charge down the conversion.

This brought Marr into losing bonus territory but for the home side a single point was not enough of a reward for the effort. From the restart they again laid siege on GHA’s defensive line. GHA conceded repeated penalties and were fortunate to lose only a single player to the sin bin. Marr patiently worked their way towards the try line and after several waves of attack from the forwards the backs were given their chance. From 15 metres out Rory McGee took a quick tap and go, cutting in to score a try under the posts then convert to secure the draw and end the match.

Marr Rugby now move towards three difficult away matches, starting with a trip to Peebles, knowing that they need to continue to add vital points to improve their league position.

Marr man of the match: Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd)
Marr scorers
Tries: Colin Sturgeon (1) and Rory McGee (1)
Conversions: Rory McGee (1)
Penalties: Rory McGee (4)