1st XV match report
Marr Rugby’s 1st XV made it three wins in a row with a bonus point win secured in a close contest against a useful Aberdeen Grammar side that will go on to cause problems for other NL1 sides.

In the main Grammar’s forwards played with some significant vigour and aggression, especially at the breakdown where counter-rucking often created difficulty for Marr’s attempts to secure and clear decent ball. In the backs their Fijian flyer Peceli Nacamavuto posed a significant challenge testing Marr’s defence and stand-off Alex Hagart was deadly with his place kicking.

Injuries and other non-availability meant changes in Marr’s starting line-up. Phil Siave started at hooker and new recruit Zane Burn enjoyed a debut at second row partnering Kris Kirk (sponsored by MOR Construction).

Marr started brightly with a promising break down the right wing by Scott Bickerstaff that led to a penalty within three minutes converted by Colin Sturgeon. Marr continued to dominate for the first ten minutes but were surprised and stung as Grammar exploited a rare opportunity of attacking possession to deliver a textbook handling move between their centres who carved a way through of the back of a 25m lineout and ended with a try for Nacamavuto that was converted. Five minutes later they stretched their lead with a penalty kick.

At the start of the second quarter Marr levelled with a converted try scored by Grant Baird (sponsored by Colin Adam) who belied his physical size and powered in bursting through several attempted tackles.

Marr turned up the pressure and Grammar was forced to defend for an extensive period. On 25 minutes after several good phases of Marr forward play the ball was spread wide and Johnny McClung neatly sidestepped in to score a converted try. Five minutes later Scott Bickerstaff added a try in the corner.

Marr relaxed and were punished as Grammar first scored a penalty and then Grant Walker scored a try that was converted to reduce the deficit to two points. Marr again re-asserted themselves and after several close range attacks Scott Nimmo was unstoppable to score a try converted by Colin Sturgeon and end the half with Marr holding a nine point advantage.

Marr opened the second half scoring with a penalty kick as reward for several promising attacks. As they turned up the pressure close to Grammar’s line a spilled pass was pounced upon for a 70 metre try score for Martin McRobbie and suddenly the gap was reduced to only five points. During the final quarter both sides defences managed to cancel each other out as they pressed for the next vital score. In the final five minutes Marr managed to get deep into Grammar territory. Desperate defence kept Marr at bay but finally the pressure was rewarded with a converted penalty. The match closed out with Marr seeking a final try but Grammar’s players weren’t minded to lie down and concede any further score.

The final whistle ended a close fought encounter and the result gave Marr Rugby its first try bonus point win of the season.

In these early stages of the season Marr’s players are given signs that they have learned from last season’s lessons and whilst still acknowledging much room for improvement they are starting to deliver good results.

The next test is an away match to Kelso.

Marr Rugby man of the match: McKenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Grant Baird (1), Johnny McClung (1), Scott Bickerstaff (1) and Scott Nimmo (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (3)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (3)