Marr Rugby’s 1st XV secured their first ever senior win at Poynder Park against Kelso with a steady performance that was interspersed with some flashes of promise, excitement and brilliance.

Planned pre-match preparations saw Andy Kelly (sponsored by Ferguson and Company) making his first appearance for the season as cover for injured Phil Siave and Stephen Adair returning from injury, included in the replacements and joining Paul Burke starting at centre after a two match absence. However some last minute changes were required as William Farquhar had to drop out through sudden and illness. As a result Andy Kelly was called up to start and Fraser Grant drafted in to join the replacements.

And, despite a lack of match practice, Andy Kelly went on, along with his front row partners Fraser Ferguson and Ollie Rossi - then Stephen Adair, to dominate their opposite numbers for most of the set piece scrum plays, winning several balls against the head and securing a number of penalties for Marr.

Marr started the match brightly and showed early promise and intent. They were thwarted by some determined defence and missed opportunities and after fifteen minutes had only a converted penalty as reward for their efforts. Kelso made the most of the situation and grew in confidence to start to test Marr’s defence. Marr managed to recover and after about ten minutes of pressure regained possession and the initiative. On the half hour they attacked into Kelso’s 22m area only to spill and lose possession. From the scrum they made amends as the forwards’ power won a penalty. A kick to the corner provided Marr with a perfect attacking platform. Winning good lineout ball they took play through several close phases of attack before Colin Sturgeon spread the ball wide and Conor Bickerstaff (sponsored by CCL Logistics Ltd) exploited the defensive gap created by his pack to score a converted try.

Kelso responded cleverly. Realising their pack was under extreme pressure they rang the changes and introduced two replacements. This gelled them into action and were rewarded with an unconverted try.

Marr lifted their play and executed another promising attack that initially was disrupted by good defence. Kelso secured turnover ball but under pressure a [ass was spilled and Mackenzie Pearce pounced to regain possession. Marr probed again, Kelso infringed and conceded a penalty that was converted. This left Marr leading 5 – 13.

A half time pep talk from head coach Craig Redpath ensued. At the same time Kelso’s head coach Adam Roxburgh was delivering a similar message to his charges.

The second half got underway with Kelso throwing everything they had at Marr. As they attacked close to Marr’s try line it was only some first rate defence that prevented a deserved score. Mar won turnover ball and suddenly turned the match and attacked from deep. The ball was spread wide. From a standing start Scott Bickerstaff set off on a lung bursting run that saw him burst a first tackle then neatly side step a second to run in from 95 metres to touch down under the posts for a converted try.

Marr quickly piled on the pressure when following the restart they again went onto the offensive and after several very good phases of forward play Mackenzie Pearce burst through to score a converted try.

Kelso responded quickly, showing real determination and threat. This was rewarded with a second unconverted try.

Marr stretched their lead with a converted penalty. From the restart Kelso once again played with determination and promise. Marr struggled to gain possession and found themselves defending deep inside their 22m area. As Kelso closed on the try line Marr managed to secure possession and once again had confidence to spread the ball wide, this time from within their in-goal area. Scott Bickerstaff set off from his in-goal area to make another end to end run, out-pacing the defence to score in the corner. Colin Sturgeon added the conversion.

As the match entered its final stages Kelso once again upped their pace and intensity. Deservedly they were rewarded with a final converted try and the match ended with no further score.

For Marr it was a good final result but a timely reminder of what they required to do to maintain this very good opening run of results.

Marr Rugby’s 1st XV get to enjoy a break from league action with the first round of the cup but need to look ahead to their next home match on 3rd October where they will face on fire Howe of Fife who are in rampant form.

Marr Rugby’s players have already shown the level of performances they are capable of delivering. The key will be making sure that this becomes the norm as the season progresses.

Marr Rugby man of the match: Scott Bickerstaff (sponsored by McKay’s Bar)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Conor Bickerstaff (1); Scott Bickerstaff (2) and Mackenzie Pearce (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (4)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (3)