A depleted and under-strength Marr Rugby 1st XV made the long trek to Rubislaw to face former Premier Division side Aberdeen Grammar as part of their vital run-in to ensure survival in National League 1.

With many regular first choice players unavailable Head Coach Craig Redpath called up several 2nd XV players to bolster his squad. Last minute changes included a 10am call to veteran Don Morrison to travel and be part of Marr’s replacement’s bench. As the match started Marr’s line-up included Matt Skeoch (sponsored by EMPS/MAT) at prop, Blain Seffin in the engine room partnering Kris Kirk, 18 year old Danny Clark (sponsored by Callachan Fitness) and Paul Burke covering at centre.

Grammar was determined to secure a win to avoid being drawn in to the edges of the relegation dog-fight. They started well and quickly put pressure on Marr in the danger zone. In response Marr ‘s players showed their determination to make first time tackles and provide support that went on to set the standard for most of the following eighty minutes. Some were missed but most were executed to perfection and more often than not Marr went on win turnover ball or at least disrupt Grammar’s attacks.

After seven minutes of intense pressure Marr managed to secure possession and spend some time in Grammar territory. This brought a penalty opportunity that was converted by stand-in kicker Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd) to give Marr an early lead. The following twenty or so minutes saw play ebb and flow with both sides having attacking opportunities but each cancelling the other out with some great defensive work. From a Marr perspective it was pleasing to see that almost all first time tackles were being made. Support play in defence was at a high level. After 20 minutes Bob Kennedy was introduced to Marr’s front row and went on to generally dominate his opposite number, with the pack winning four scrums against the head.

On 35 minutes Marr got their first try. A scrum 25 metres out was won and Marr’s backs were unleashed. Stand-in centre and man of the match Paul Burke was able to burst through midfield and offload to Colin Sturgeon as he was tackled. Marr’s attack continued towards the try line and a final pass to Stuart Howie (sponsored by Fusion Sportswear) allowed him to shrug off a last ditch tackle and power through into the corner for a converted try.
The restart heralded a brighter period for Marr. Under pressure Grammar lost a player to a yellow card and Marr capitalised with a forward’s inspired try. This came from a series of short range pick and go’s, with Paul Burke and Kris Kirk making significant bursts and finally Danny Clark crashing through from short range. The first half ended with a 17 point lead to Marr.

The start of the second half saw Marr further extend this advantage after a third try was scored. Colin Sturgeon who was making the most of gaps created by Marr’s forwards’ power play went on an angled run and jinxed and powered his way through to touch down.
Grammar immediately struck back. Replacement scrum half Morgan Ward, a former professional player, sparked the home side into life. His quick tap and go from a penalty split Marr’s defence and a simple try followed. Ten minutes later the same tactic was once again employed to good effect and ended in a similar result to reduce Grammar’s deficit to 14 points. In desperation Marr tried to force the game but all that was achieved was a mixture of turnover ball at the breakdown or Marr kicking to Grammar’s pacey and increasingly dangerous backs.

With fifteen minutes left another Grammar try reduced the gap to three points. Marr finally steadied their ship and managed to enjoy a period of controlled phases of attacking play. This saw them reach Grammar’s 22m area. Scott Bickerstaff’s burst took play into Grammar’s danger zone and after several phases of play and with five minute remaining a penalty was conceded. Colin Sturgeon converted but Grammar immediately stuck back with a converted try to take a single point advantage. The final minutes saw some frenetic play. Despite some determined and desperate defence Marr retained their composure and possession. Playing through the phases they progressed towards Grammar’s try line. As time ran out they stuck to the task of inching forward and finally were rewarded with a penalty about 28 metres out. Kicking into a strong and swirling wind it was left to Colin Sturgeon to end the match. His kick launched the ball towards the posts. At first it seemed the line was taking it outside the uprights but at the last moment its flight altered. As it reached the posts the ball seemed to run out of energy and as it fell it struck one of the uprights and bounced into the goal area for a winning score.

Grammar’s misery was outmatched by Marr’s joy. The home side’s performance secured two vital points but for Marr a four point lifeline was secured.

The result sees Marr move to tenth position in the twelve team league. Marr’s players have four matches remaining to ensure they retain a place in National League 1 but the performance at Grammar has shown they have the determination and ability to secure the results needed to stay in Scottish Rugby’s second tier. The first of the final matches sees Marr face runaway and so far unbeaten league leaders Selkirk. Marr need to ensure points come from each of the four remaining matches and to help this, the help of every Marr supporter is essential.

Marr man of the match: Paul Burke (sponsored by A1 Skips)
Marr scorers:
Tries- Stuart Howie (1), Danny Clark (1) and Colin Sturgeon (1)
Conversions - Colin Sturgeon (3)
Penalties – Colin Sturgeon (3)