Rubislaw is always a tough place to visits and Marr’s preparations included significant changes to the starting line-up and squad, in particular amongst the forwards. Continuing Injuries and other commitments meant that several of the recent first squad regulars were missing. This though presented an opportunity for a number of players to step up and/or switch positions and show head coach Craig Redpath and his assistant Paul Burke that they were more than ready, prepared and capable of stepping in or switching positions to provide cover. Robert Kennedy, Danny Clark, Matthew Skeoch, Ali Walker (sponsored by Craig Armour) and Andrew Gault provided the bench cover.

After eighty minutes competing against an improving home side fighting for pride and determined to claw its way out of the league table’s danger zone the final outcome showed that Marr’s coaches work and approaches were paying off as the changes appeared relatively seamless.

On the starting line-up Ollie Rossi continued at hooker and was propped by William Farquhar and Fraser ‘Rhino’ Ferguson who were both in their usual rampaging form. Pieter Killian switched to second row to pack beside Kris Kirk, who continues to quietly and effectively get the important jobs done. A new look back row included Kyle Vallance at number eight and Zane Burn at flanker. Paul Burke occupied his usual berth and once again was at the heart of most of Marr’s critical defensive plays as well as frequently posing a challenge in attack. Gregor Ness stepped in to take up the important role of scrum half and linked well with Craig Kolarik who continues to impress at stand-off.

Marr got off to the ideal start and took control of play from the kick-off. The pack took play deep into Grammar’s 22m area and after several phases of play Conor Bickerstaff was able to cut a way though the defence to score a converted try with only three minutes on the clock. Grammar appeared rattled and had to spend the rest of the quarter working hard to repel repeated Marr attacks. They had rare opportunities but one sortie into Marr’s half was rewarded with a penalty and full back Alex Hagart converted to reduce the deficit. As the quarter closed Marr again found a way through to the try line. Kyle Valance made a great break and as the defensive cover closed him down he offloaded in the tackle and after continuing quick phase ball the unstoppable Scott Bickerstaff was unleashed.

Grammar regrouped and raised their game. They managed to enjoy a better second quarter with better possession and attacking opportunities but found Marr equally determined to keep them out of the red zone. However with Hagart in fine kicking form a second long range penalty was added. Grammar kept up an intense tempo and exploited well an opportunity as Pieter Killian was being treated for an injury to keep the phases of play going and threaten Marr’s line. During this period of play Conor Bickerstaff was penalised and yellow carded for infringing at the breakdown as Marr tried to protect their line. At the resulting penalty Grammar opted to make the most of the numerical advantage and took a five metre scrum and they scored from this. Surprisingly Hagart missed the conversion but the try meant that the half closed with Marr holding a narrow three point advantage.

After five minutes play of the second half Marr extended their lead. Once again good interplay between the forwards and backs forwards started to cause problems to Grammar’s defence. Winning an attacking scrum just inside the 22m area Marr was in a perfect attacking position. Picking up from the base Gregor Ness (sponsored by Bearing Gifts) feinted and stepped first outside then inside the defensive to open up a gap and raced to the line to touch down

Grammar responded well and enjoyed long periods of attacking possession and territory. As the third quarter closed their efforts had been rewarded by a converted penalty and unconverted try to close the margin to two points. With twenty minutes left Marr stretched the lead with an unconverted try. Ollie Rossi created the opening with a superbly angled 20m run that opened up Grammar’s defence. As he was closed down Ollie passed to Stuart Howie who was able to race on and touch down on the corner.

For the next fifteen minutes Grammar hammered home attack after attack and Marr was forced to defend deep in their own half. Although Grammar frequently threatened Marr’s defence was sound. With minutes remaining Marr enjoyed a rare foray into Grammar territory and Conor Bickerstaff set up Marr’s final try which was touched down by Colin Sturgeon.

The final whistle brought to an end to what had been a compelling match and Marr’s players and small band of supporters were able to reflect and savour a tremendous team performance and the five tries that had delivered a bonus point win that helped retain their second top league spot.

Marr now look forward to welcoming Kelso to Fullarton for the next league encounter.

Marr Man of the match: William Farquhar (sponsored by Glenn Davis)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Conor Bickerstaff (1), Scott Bickerstaff (1), Gregor Ness (1), Stuart Howie (1) and Colin Sturgeon (1).
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (4)