With injury issues and other non-availability causing challenges, both sides fielded changed XV’s. Howe’s issues included a small number of first choice players electing to miss the fixture to take in Scotland’s World Cup match whilst Marr’s coaching team had to deal with a growing casualty list. Included in this was regular scrum half Grant Baird. Initially and returning from injury, Gregor Ness (sponsored by Bearing Gifts) was called in as emergency cover. However just before the kick off Gregor was assessed not being recovered sufficiently to risk exposure to play. A quick re-shuffle ensued. Conor Bickerstaff moved to cover scrum half, Ali Walker promoted from the bench to start at centre and Danny Clark called in at last minute from the 2s.

Howe arrived at Fullarton having made an enviable start to their first season in NL1. Their record showed notable wins against GHA, Dundee and Jedforest and a narrow two point defeat against Stewart’s Melville to earn them third spot in the league. In their four previous matches an impressive defensive and scoring record had seen them concede an average of 14 points per match whilst scoring almost 30 points.

Marr got off to a perfect start and controlled the first quarter. Their opening try was scored on five minutes by Mckenzie Pearce. Early pressure earned a penalty deep inside Howe’s 22m area. Marr opted to kick to the corner and take the lineout attacking option. The driving maul surged over the line and collapsed with the referee in perfect position to seethe touch down. Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd ) added the conversion points and went on to add six more to achieve a perfect kicking record for the day.

From the restart Marr continued to exert control and only some great defensive work prevented further score. As the first quarter ended Marr’s pressure was finally rewarded with an attacking move off another lineout just inside Howe territory. Taking a short lineout option allowed Marr to add additional strike runners into the backs and working off quick ball they cut a way through the defence. Quick offloads at the tackle kept the momentum going and Mckenzie Pearce added his second with a powerful 20m run in, bursting through final tackles.

Howe immediately hit back with a well worked try scored by Chris Mann with Angus Guthrie adding the points. For the rest of the second quarter play seesawed. Howe’s scrum half Stewart Lathangie was lively and took every opportunity to lift the pace of the game and get his side into good attacking positions. Marr’s defence was well tested but held firm. Just before the half hour Colin Sturgeon added a penalty conversion. In the final five minutes of the half Marr regained the ascendency. After Ali Walker made a telling tackle they won turnover ball and pressed home several attacks. Working off good lineout ball the backs charged forward and Scott Bickerstaff finished the move with a trademark try to complete the first half’s scoring and leave Marr leading 24 – 7.

In the opening 10 minutes of the second half Marr’s cause took a triple blow. Mackenzie Pearce retired injured and then Johnny McClung was yellow carded as he prevented a promising Howe attack. Injuries to Howe’s front row led to uncontested scrums and nullified an area in which Marr had dominated.

Taking full advantage of the extra man Howe opened the second half scoring with a well worked try scored by Graham Thomson. Five minutes later Marr added the bonus point fourth try. Paul Burke had come on as a replacement and playing at centre made a telling break through the midfield. As he was stopped Marr quickly recycled and building on the momentum Rory McGee cut through towards Howe’s 22m line. He launched a grubber kick behind the defence. As the ball bobbled deep inside the try zone and dangerously close to the dead ball area Howe’s defence desperately raced back but Scott Bickerstaff outpaced them to score.

Back at full strength Marr shifted up a gear and were rewarded with three further tries. Paul Burke got the first after some good interplay with man of the match Scott Bickerstaff. With ten minutes left Conor Bickerstaff scored after an explosive burst from the base of a midfield scrum. Kyle Vallance completed Marr’s scoring with five minutes left on the clock. He powered in from fifteen metres and a clever change of direction outsmarted the cover defence.

Howe closed the match with a final converted try score from Brodie Runciman.

All in all a good Marr performance delivered a convincing win to continue the winning start to the season. With a two week break before the next league fixture Marr’s players get the chance for a well-deserved period or rest and recovery while coach Craig Redpath tackles dealing with a growing injury list.

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

Marr scorers
Tries: Mckenzie Pearce (2); Scott Bickertsaff (2); Paul Burke (1); Conor Bickerstaff (1) and Kyle Vallance (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (7)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (1)