The top of the table clash lived up to its billing with one of the hardest fought matches seen in recent years at Fullarton. A fast paced, intense and tightly contested contest ensued with both sides showing great defensive skill to disrupt and defend their try line.

League leaders Watsonians arrived carrying an impressive scoring record averaging 33 points per match delivered by an impressive pack and back line. In previous encounters Watsonians dominated, albeit this season in the reverse fixture in October Marr fought back from a 26 – 3 deficit to close the gap but narrowly lose 38 – 30.

Marr’s squad included Kris Kirk (sponsored by MOR Construction) making a return after a nine week injury lay-off. He took up his usual berth in the second row and with Kyle Vallance still injured versatile Angus Johnston switched to join the back row.

A crowd of over 400 enjoyed a feast of quality rugby in perfect conditions which saw neither side prepared to give any quarter and some explosive and tenacious defensive play from both sides that, in the main, effectively cancelled each other out for long periods of the match. Marr got off to a flying start and within five minutes the early pressure was rewarded with a penalty that Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd) converted. Watsonians immediately responded with an unconverted try that clearly demonstrated their attacking threat and potential. From a penalty just inside Marr’s half livewire scrum half Reiss Cullen took a quick tap and go and split open Marr’s defence. He was finally tackled but Watsonians quickly recycled to keep the momentum going and spread the ball wide to allow centre Rory Steele to score in the corner.

With about 15 minutes on the clock Marr was enjoying a decent period of possession in Watsonians territory but could find no way though a patient and determined defence. As play passed through several phases the breakdown became untidy and after a flare up Grant Baird was penalised and shown a yellow card. In normal circumstances it’s reckoned that the side that’s a man down goes on to lose at least seven points in the following 10 minutes. Marr continue to prove they are the exception to every rule and during the period they laid siege on Watsonians line. Only some resolute defence kept the home side out. Eventually Watsonians were able to take advantage of a loose pass that allowed a counterattack and a promising break was stopped on halfway by a great tackle from Scott Bickerstaff. Restored to 15 players Marr started to gain a slight advantage. Watsonians usually sound pack struggled to contain Marr’s forwards in the set piece and open play. Just after the half hour mark Colin Sturgeon converted another penalty and Marr regained the lead. As half time approached Marr began to attack with greater rhythm. Conor Bickerstaff made several promising bursts and it took a number of Watsonians defenders to contain him. With half time fast approaching he broke into midfield around halfway and but on contact sustained a significant injury to his knee that forced early retirement and emergency transfer to hospital. Referee Neil Muir called half time to allow treatment to Conor and after an extended break the second half got underway.

Andrew Mill was introduced at centre. For fifteen minutes the match ebbed and flowed with both sides enjoying attacking opportunities but being thwarted by strong defensive play. As the end of the third quarter approached Marr once again enjoyed an extended period deep in Watsonians half. Props William Farquhar and Fraser Ferguson were brought on as replacements and added extra energy to Marr’s pack. As the pressure was upped and Marr closed towards Watsonians line a flare up occurred and an initial penalty award to Marr was reversed following intervention from the assistant referee. This enabled Watsonians to clear their lines and take play into Marr territory. As they gained scrum possession in a good attacking position Marr coach Craig Redpath introduced replacement hooker Ollie Rossi to the pack. Ollie immediately made his mark by winning the strike against the head and Marr were able to counterattack.

The closing fifteen minutes became a battle royal as both sides worked themselves into the ground in final attacking and defensive flurries. Marr’s defence was exceptional and man of the match Ben Johnston led the way with some perfectly timed and targeted thumping tackles. Combining well with Colin Sturgeon he also made some telling charges gaining critical territory for Marr. With five minutes remaining Marr’s pressure and tenacity was rewarded with a penalty in kickable range and Colin Sturgeon made no mistake to allow Marr to regain the lead.

In the initial stages of a furious final five minutes Marr came close but ferocious defence won turnover ball and Marr was forced to defend deep in their half. Precision in the tackle and at the breakdown was the order of the day to ensure no penalties were conceded. Marr held firm and aggressive play at the breakdown secured turnover ball at critical moments before the final whistle was sounded.

The result sees no positional change in the table but narrows the gap between the top two sides.

Marr’s players now look ahead to a re-arranged league match as they travel to meet Musselburgh while Watsonians face a tricky visit to meet third placed Dundee.

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

Marr scorer
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (3)