Marr Rugby felt the full effect of their two wins against Dundee earlier in the season as the home side came out with all guns blazing, intent on proving a point and proceeded to play Marr out of the game. With both sides in the running for the play-off position Dundee knew that they had to win and deny Marr any points to keep their hopes alive.

Playing in wet and heavy conditions that suited the home side, Marr struggled to get any decent phases of attacking play. Their game plan was quickly thrown up into the air as within two minutes Stuart Howie was forced to retire injured. Although he recovered sufficiently to return late in the second half his injury meant a shuffle in Marr’s back line with Scott Bickerstaff switched from centre to the wing.
Dundee’s players were also buoyed after two early penalty kick attempts from normally reliable Colin Sturgeon went wide.

After fifteen minutes Dundee opened the scoring with a converted try after a powerful run from Blair Cochrane to break the gain line and race in from 30 metres.

Just after the half hour mark Dundee capitalised on a Marr error to claim a close range attacking scrum and double their score with an eight man pushover try.

In the second half they extended the gap with a penalty and another converted try. With twenty minutes remaining Colin Sturgeon was yellow carded and Dundee added another converted try and penalty.

During the final ten minutes as Dundee tired, Marr finally started to find some gaps in what had been a solid defence. Two tries followed the first from Scott Bickerstaff (sponsored by Mackays Bar) and the second from Stuart Howie.

Dundee’s game-plan was well executed and they made effective use of the breakdown area to stifle Marr’s attacking opportunities and on more than one occasion secure turnover ball. Their defensive line speed was impressive and effective. At times they were pinged for being offside but in the main they achieved what they set out to do and limit Marr’s opportunities to get over the gain line.

Marr’s work rate was good and Mackenzie Pearce was once again a standout for his efforts but they found themselves up against a Dundee side determined to prevent Marr from playing and achieved this.

In the continuing race for the play-off spot Marr now need to recover and regroup as they head towards their final match of the season, an away trip to Inverleith to face Stewart’s Melville knowing that a bonus point win will secure second spot. Dundee’s win leaves them six points behind Marr but they have two matches remaining, both at home. On Saturday they face Jed-Forest. As the games are being played the Mayfield supporters will be closely monitoring events at Inverleith whilst likewise Marr will be keeping tabs on the score at Dundee.

Marr Rugby man of the match: Mackenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters Garage)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Scott Bickerstaff (1) and Stuart Howie (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (1)