Marr Rugby’s 1st XV win, albeit narrow, ended the home matches for this season with a perfect record of played 11 won 11.

However it was a close call as they had to withstand a furious final five minutes of attacking play from Peebles as the visitors hammered home repeated attacks close to Marr’s try line while they sought to secure a try to draw or with a successful conversion win the match. Marr’s defence held out and eventually secured turnover ball to allow the lines to be cleared and give referee Graham Ormiston the opportunity to bring the match to an end.

Marr’s squad included a number of enforced changes due to injury. Andrew Mill started at centre, Colin Sturgeon switched to stand-off. After last week’s strong performance Ollie Rossi retained the hooker berth and the bench cover included eighteen year olds Ry McInnes and Callum Steel.

With only three matches left for Marr and the side still hunting for the play-off place whilst Peebles were in their penultimate match and scrapping their way out of the relegation zone both sides had lots to play for. Marr opened well and early pressure in the first quarter brought tries from Stuart Howie and Grant Baird and a penalty from Colin Sturgeon to open up a 17 – 0 lead. This stung Peebles into offensive action and they were rewarded with a converted try before Marr’s Mackenzie Pearce scored a try to keep the cushion reasonable. Peebles again hit back and a try from Richard Harrison was quickly followed by another from their impressive young prop Corey Togia to reduce the deficit. Rattled, Marr conceded another quick try to end the half Marr 24 Peebles 22.

Within ten minutes of the second half Peebles gained further advantage as Marr were reduced to 13 players. As Peebles attacked close to Marr’s try line Ben Johnston then in short order Angus Johnston were sin binned for interfering at the breakdown. With the two man advantage Peebles sensed blood. However Marr’s remaining players had other ideas. Keeping their try line intact they won turnover ball and got out of the danger zone. Strong running and good support play took Marr to the Peebles 22m area and ended with a converted try from Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Bricktrain Ltd).

Just into the final quarter Peebles finally managed to exploit the numerical advantage with a try from Ruaridh Clinch. This reduced the gap to only two points. Five minutes later Marr opted to kick for points from a penalty opportunity and this increased the gap to five points.
With ten minutes remaining reinvigorated Peebles dominated possession and territory as they threw everything they could at Marr in an effort to score a try to at least draw the match. Marr desperately defended territory close to their try line and managed to hold Peebles at bay and keep their line intact.

Determined defence finally generated turnover ball for Marr and Andy Kelly finished the match with a clearance to touch and bring a sigh of relief and cheer of gratitude from the home support.
A match not for the faint hearted wearing purple and gold and although they secured two vital bonus points Peebles will sense a missed opportunity for more.

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

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Stuart Howie (1), Grant Baird (1), Mackenzie Pearce (1), Colin Sturgeon (1)
Conversions (Colin Sturgeon (4)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (2)