First defeat of the season as slow start costs Marr

Marr Rugby’s 1st XV’s run of impressive results came to an end as they visited the Gytes and once again encountered a Peebles side that excelled in defence and critically completed most scoring opportunities.

During the match Marr enjoyed significant periods of possession and pressure but struggled to unlock a dogged defence. In a reprise of last season’s fixture this included a final ten minute flurry during which the home side was pegged back deep in their own 22m metre area and survived relentless phases of Marr attacking play.

The match had started brightly for Marr and early pressure secured the opening points from a converted penalty after five minutes. For the following ten minutes Marr continued to enjoy territorial advantage but were unable to convert any chances as Peebles grew in confidence. On fifteen minutes Peebles enjoyed their first real period of possession and capitalised on this to score their opening try. Prop James Cockburn was influential in the move that saw Peebles make their first visit into Marr’s 22m area and after a series of pick and goes that took play to the try line was in perfect position to crash through from close range for a converted try.

Marr responded well but a promising attacking move was disrupted by impressive home midfield defence that won turnover ball and a chance to clear their line. Peebles chased down the kick and as Marr regrouped and tried to launch a counter attack from deep, centre Donald Anderson put in a telling tackle that helped secure turnover ball. Peebles made the most of the opportunity and closed down on the try line. After managing to repel several promising phases of play Cockburn again was Marr’s nemesis with breenging unstoppable close range charge that gave him his second try. The conversion opened an eleven point advantage for Peebles.

In reply Marr once again took play into Peebles 22m area. Although they enjoyed about 10 minutes of possession they were unable to break through the home defence that was content to hold the line with a combination of determined tackling and other disruptive tactics that led to a series of penalties. Marr pressed to score a try from these but were once again stung as Peebles patience and determination secured turnover ball and pressed home the advantage to clear their lines, take play into Marr territory and gain a converted penalty to extend their lead.

Just before halftime Marr finally scored their first try. This followed another extensive period of possession deep inside Peebles territory. With the home side again defending well but conceding penalties Marr enjoyed several opportunities to set up attacking platforms from close range lineouts. From one of these Ben Johnston charged round the side and crashed through defenders to touch down for a converted try. For the final few minutes of the first half Marr continued to probe but found Peebles defence resolute.

At the start of the second half Peebles opened well and came flying out of the blocks. They took advantage of some missed first up tackles to pressure Marr’s line and were rewarded with a converted penalty.

Over the following ten minutes Marr again enjoyed an extended period of possession and territory but struggled to break open the home defence whose play frequently secured turnover possession and the opportunity to relieve the pressure.

With twenty minutes left Marr finally found a way through and Scott Bickerstaff (sponsored by McKay’s Bar) scored in the corner for an unconverted try. Peebles immediately hit back with a converted penalty.

Marr once again found themselves camped in Peebles 22m area with the home defence content to concede penalties to disrupt any attacking momentum. Marr opted to go for close range attacking lineouts and eventually managed to add a third try as Stuart Howie (sponsored by Fusion Sportswear) scored in the corner. This brought the score to 23 – 20 and set up a nail biting final ten minutes.

Marr pressed home wave after wave of attack trying to secure another score but determined defence from Peebles prevented any break through and as they had earlier in the match they made very good use of any chance to secure possession and relive the pressure. From this the broke out of defence, took play deep into Marr territory and increased their lead with a converted penalty.

In the closing stages Marr again pressed forward. In a final play flurry Peebles again conceded repeated penalties to thwart Marr, with no yellow card in sight (the home side racking up 16 penalties over the 80 minutes). With no time left Marr opted for quick tap and goes. After several promising charges Paul Burke was stopped five metres out but managed to get the ball to Stuart Howie who despite some creative tackling burst through over the try line carrying defenders with him. Referee Steven Turnbull judged no score indicating a double movement at the touch down and Peebles were to end the match. As the home side and supporters celebrated Marr was left to reflect on the need to ensure possession and territorial advantage were converted into points.

With second placed Watsonians also suffering a defeat Marr managed to retain their table topping position. As they prepare for a visit from former Premiership side Edinburgh Accies, Marr’s players have the opportunity to learn from the lesson delivered by Peebles.

Marr man of the match: Ben Johnston (sponsored by Jimmy Armour)

Marr scorers
Tries: Ben Johnston (1), Scott Bickerstaff (1) and Stuart Howie (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (1)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (1)