Marr Rugby’s 1st XV’s squad, facing a resurgent GHA and with both sides determined to build on their previous week’s wins, was forced to make a number of changes. In the forwards, with Stephen Adair and Ollie Rossi unavailable, prop/hooker Phil Siave stepped in to start at hooker. In the backs Aaron Rankin made his first appearance of the season from the bench and with the continuing injury to Johnny McClung, versatile Colin Sturgeon switched to centre and Craig Kolarik started at stand-off.

Playing in torrential rain and with a blistering wind blowing towards the Courtyard end of the pitch both sides had their work cut out to get any decent rhythm and pattern of play. GHA, like Marr, prefer 15-man rugby and in the conditions this is what both sides tried to deliver.

In the first half Marr opted to play to the Courtyard end. As the match started GHA estimated that the elements provided Marr with a 20 point advantage so by half-time they would have been confident that the only score was a converted try for Marr. However in the first period Marr had dominated in the forwards scrummage play and the visitors knew they were in for a tough time. Marr opened their account in seven minutes after Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd) exploited the forward’s dominance as he exploded through from short range following an attacking lineout.

Frustratingly despite their pressure and possession Marr were unable to add anything to the scoreboard. By half-time GHA’s valiant defence had managed to stem the purple and gold onslaught and the visitors looked forward to taking full advantage of playing with the wind behind them.

With GHA’s side including former Scotland internationalists Andy Henderson and Peter Jericevich it seemed reasonable that the elements advantage of the second half may favour the visitors. And, with GHA opening the second half scoring through an unconverted try the visiting support felt that the wind was now very much in their favour. However Marr’s pack and backs weren’t quite ready to accept this. Marr’s front row Andy Kelly, Pieter Kilian and Phil Siave and back five forwards were in great form and with replacement rotation adding Fraser Ferguson, William Farquhar and Kyle Vallance to the mix Marr’s pack continued to dominate the set piece scrum and were in rampaging form in loose play. Behind them the backs, well marshalled by Grant Baird (sponsored by Colin Adam) and half-back partner Kolarick, started to Stretch GHA’s defence.

Marr’s dominance was rewarded with three further tries, each coming from forwards’ power play. Two happened from set piece scrums where they drove GFHA off their own put in to win turnover ball. The other involved a driving maul off a lineout that ended with 13 Marr players involved. Paul Burke, Phil Siave claimed one apiece and the third was a penalty try easily awarded as GHA deployed extreme measures to try to stop Marr’s onslaught.

Despite the final result the score was limited as a result of the tremendous defensive display and effort GHA put in. Time and time again telling tackles were perfectly executed to stop Marr’s efforts to reach the whitewash. GHA’s defensive efforts were exemplified by Andy Henderson’s work-rate and determination as he repeatedly effectively made important tackles. Even with this effort Marr still managed to claim the potentially vital bonus point.

The match concluded with Marr gaining five points as GHA were left to lick their wounds and start the re-build for the coming Saturday. The character and determination they displayed means that GHA’s players and coaching side will be able to comfortably continue to secure a place in NL 1.

Marr now looks forward to two weeks on the road. First up is an away match to Musselburgh and so long as the squad delivers with the same intent and determination Marr will present the home side with a significant challenge.

Marr Rugby man of the match – Phil Siave (sponsored by TR Bonnyman and Son Ltd)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Colin Sturgeon (1); Paul Burke (1); Phil Siave (1) and penalty try (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (3)