Marr Rugby’s 1st XV squad emerged winners after a close fought contest against a strong and determined Stewart’s Melville side whose performance belies their results so far this season and league position.

Stewart’s Melville opened the scoring after fifteen minutes with a penalty from Mike Hanning. Marr immediately bounced back and took play deep into the visitors 22m area. After several promising phases of play and the try line in sight Stewart’s Melville infringed and were penalised. Colin Sturgeon slotted home the penalty to level the score. Five minutes later Marr were once again camped close to Stewart’s Melville’s try line and their pressure gained several penalties. With no obvious way through a packed defence Marr opted to kick at goal and Colin Sturgeon extended the lead.

As Marr appeared to be gaining the upper hand Stewart’s Melville struck following some speculative field kicking from the home side. A pacey counter-attack from just inside their own half saw Stewart’s Melville tear a hole in Marr’s midfield defence. The move was completed with winger Sean Murchie touching down for a try near to the posts. Marr contested the conversion and Johnny McClung managed to block a close range kick.

Marr found themselves under pressure in the scrum as Stewart’s Melville’s experienced front row dominated the set piece. The pressure led to several penalties being conceded. These repeated infringements ended up with a yellow card for Paul Burke, reducing Marr to 14 players. Despite the man advantage Stewart’s Melville were unable to add to their tally and the first half ended with the visitors enjoying a two point lead.

From the start of the second Marr upped the pace and increased the pressure on Stewart’s Melville’s try line. Marr’s front row forwards led the way with promising breaks. Once again William Farquhar (sponsored by Glenn Davis) was in great form and took play close to the try line before he was finally pulled down. Marr quickly recycled and Andy Kelly barged through from close range to touch down and score a converted try.

Four minutes later Colin Sturgeon added another three points from a penalty kick.

As play entered the start of the final quarter Marr’s perseverance was rewarded when they took a scrum against the head. Man of the match Ben Johnston picked up at eight and made about 30 metres in a storming run and as the cover defence closed him down he offloaded perfectly to his brother Angus who was in close support.

Angus faced two defenders but his power and pace was enough to burst the initial tackle and carry over the line the desperate last ditch tackler.

During the final ten minutes Stewart’s Melville’s made a huge effort to salvage at least a losing bonus point. They closed the gap to eight points after Rhys Morgan’s try was converted. Marr’s defence rose to the challenge despite again being reduced to 14 men, after Andy Kelly was invited by the referee to enjoy a 10 minute rest, and stubbornly held out to close the match with no further score.

A gritty performance, far from Marr’s best, but one that added four important points to the league tally for the season so far. Stewart’s Melville gave Marr a stiff test and based on what we saw will go on to climb the league.

Marr’s coaching team will now concentrate on helping the players prepare for the next fixture – away to Jed-Forest.

Marr Rugby man of the match – Ben Johnston (sponsored by Professor Sir James Armour)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries – Andy Kelly (1) and Angus Johnston (1)
Conversions – Colin Sturgeon (2)
Penalties – Colin Sturgeon (3)