A strong second half performance and fight-back that included two tries wasn’t enough to secure any vital points for Marr Rugby’s 1st XV as they remain near the bottom of their league.

After last week’s draw against second placed GHA, Marr Rugby were facing a Peebles side sitting mid table but only eight points ahead so the home side needed a victory to ensure they remained outside the developing dogfight to avoid the second bottom spot.
Marr started brightly and early pressure brought two penalty opportunities within kickable range. However, Marr opted to kick both to the corner and secure an attacking line out close to the Peebles try line. A wayward throw and some strong and solid defence thwarted these opportunities. It was 10 minutes of Marr pressure with no reward. Finally Peebles managed to get onto the front foot and into Marr’s half of the pitch. Winning a penalty they opted to take the points to open the scoring. This was quickly followed by their first try. A poor restart kick gave them an attacking advantage and they didn’t need a second chance to stretch the lead. Centre Devyn Smith sliced through midfield and his break created enough space for Peebles to threaten in the corner. Marr had to swiftly backtrack and in a desperate attempt to prevent a try winger Stuart Howie covered across and was yellow carded as he disrupted the attacking play. Brimming with confidence Peebles opted for an attacking lineout but Marr managed to stand their ground and win the ball. A scrambled clearance kick appeared to be put into touch off a Peebles hand. This was also indicated by the touch judge however in a sharp reminder to Marr players of the need to play to the referee’s whistle Peebles took a quick throw-in and spread play wide to score a try in the corner. Peebles full back Greg Raeburn, in fine kicking form, added the conversion and five minutes later slotted home a further three points from a penalty kick.

Just before the half hour Marr again found themselves deep inside Pebbles’ half and in a promising position. Again they encountered a well organised and determined defence that finally won turnover ball and a breakout led to a try giving the home side a 20 point advantage.

Marr responded strongly but, although they made some good breaks including incisive runs from Andrew Mill (sponsored by MAP Global Investments) and Scott Bickerstaff, they were unable to get near to Peebles line. Marr’s scrum was also working well, albeit under extreme pressure from a bigger set of forwards. On 35 minutes Grant Baird’s sniping burst off the base of a scrum finally unlocked the defence and Stuart Howie’s promising run was stopped by Peebles at the cost of another penalty. Marr again took the lineout option and after a series of phases with the forwards battering their way through towards the line and drawing in the defence, the ball was released wide and Rory McGee crossed to score for an unconverted try.

Further penalties were traded before half-time to leave the score 23 – 8 and give Marr a mountain to climb.
Within 10 minutes Marr’s challenge got even harder as Peebles punished mistakes with two more tries to gain a 27 point advantage. The remainder of the quarter was balanced with both sides increasing their pace and intensity but cancelling each other out.

The final quarter belonged to Marr but it was too little, too late. With 15 minutes left Stuart Howie (sponsored by Fusion Sportswear) started the comeback. Feeding off a run by Colin Sturgeon he completed the final 15 metres despite some determined defence that saw him carry two tacklers over the whitewash. Rory McGee converted.

From the restart Marr launched a counterattack and spreading the ball wide Scott Bickertaff was finally unleashed at pace. From half way he took play close and intelligently committed the final defence before offloading to Rory McGee who completed the move.
This score gave Marr hope of clawing themselves back into the point’s zone. For the rest of the match they continued to press but found a solid wall of defenders. In the final minutes they were camped near Peebles line and were repeatedly disrupted by desperate and at time illegal defence that while penalised went further unpunished as Peebles retained their full complement. The clock finally ran out and left Marr with little to show for their efforts.

The result sees Marr continue to occupy one of the basement spots in the league. With the next matches presenting even tougher challenges Marr’s squad will have to show real resolve, dig deep and ensure they can convert opportunities into points if they are to claw their way out of the danger area.

It won’t be an easy task; next up is another hard away match against improving Jedforest. However, Marr’s players have worked exceptionally hard to get into this league and all are fully committed to retaining this position.

Marr man of the match: Scott Bickerstaff (sponsored by Mackays Bar)

Marr Scorers
Tries - Rory McGee (2) and Stuart Howie (1)
Conversions – Rory McGee (2)
Penalty – Rory McGee (1)