Depleted Marr grind out win on artificial surface

With Dufus Park unplayable the fixture was switched to the University playing fields at St Andrews and at short notice moved from grass to the all-weather surface. This meant that almost all of the 1st XV squad got their first ever experience of playing on an artificial pitch. However the lack of notice and opportunity presented a significant challenge for pre-match preparations in getting used to the anomalies of this type of surface. Added to this the non-availability, through injury or other commitments, of a significant number of key players including Andy Kelly, Kris Kirk, MacKenzie Pearce, Fraser Grant, Paul Burke, Johnny McClung and Rory McGee presented a selection headache for head coach Craig Redpath.

Marr’s preparations took an early blow as Fraser Ferguson sustained an ankle injury during the warm-up that prevented him starting and caused a shuffle in the forwards with Danny Clark promoted from the bench and Pieter Kilian switching from second row to prop.

Marr suffered a further early set-back as Zane Burn was forced to retire with an ankle injury after less than two minutes. As a result the explosive and dynamic back rower, and man of the match, Ben Johnston had to move into second row and partner his brother Angus (sponsored by Arthur Dunsmuir). The forward’s line up further changed with Ollie Rossi switched from hooker to cover back row along with Kyle Vallance and nineteen year old Danny Clark. Returning from injury Stephen Adair (sponsored by Toner & McCartney) took on the hooker’s berth.

Howe took full advantage of Marr’s misfortune and within ten minutes opened the scoring with an unconverted after some well worked phases of possession. Marr Immediately hit back. Pressure on the restart kick-off earned a Marr penalty. A kick to the corner provided the perfect attacking platform and William Farquhar set up the try with a trademark charge that created havoc in the home defence. As Howe tried to reset their defence Pieter Killian crashed through from close range for his debut try. Colin Sturgeon converted.

Five minutes later Howe added a second unconverted try after some strong running play. Ten minutes later Marr levelled the score with a penalty conversion that followed some sustained pressure in Howe’s 22m area and the first half ended all square.

Marr started the second half playing with power and pace. Howe were forced to concede several penalties in the red zone and eventually the referee awarded Marr a penalty try. Howe quickly reduced the deficit with a converted penalty.

In terms of possession and territory the matched was evenly balanced as it entered the final quarter. However Marr’s make-shift pack held the upper hand at the set-piece scrum. With twenty minutes remaining Marr again pressed towards Howe’s line. Some determined defence held the first attacks but eventually Howe ran out of cover and Scott Bickerstaff was able to force a way through for a converted try.

In the final ten minutes there was frenetic play from Howe. This was rewarded by a try to reduce the gap to six points. As the final minutes wound down some serious resolve and bottle was needed.

In the face of extreme pressure Mars’s players dug deep to withstand Howe’s determined attacks charges and the match ended with an impressive Marr win and important four points that helped maintain their second place in the league..

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

Marr scorers
Tries: Pieter Kilian (1), Penalty try (1) and Scott Bickerstaff (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (3)
Penalties; Colin Sturgeon (1)