After previous lack of success Marr Rugby’s 1st XV’s third visit to Mayfield was a purple and gold day. Playing in autumnal sunshine on a setting overlooking the silvery Tay the visiting and home support were provided with a rugby treat.

From the start Marr set out their clear intent and showed that that had learned from the previous lessons dished out by Dundee. Playing against a huge sized pack that included former Glasgow Warrior Alan Brown and a half-back partnership at scrum half of Andy Dymock, a previous Scotland 7s player, and 23 times capped Scotland stand-off Phil Godman Marr had to be precise in attack and defence.

Within five minutes Marr had secured a six point lead following penalties converted by Colin Sturgeon. The second was awarded as Marr threatened Dundee’s line and were thwarted by an illegal challenge that resulted in a yellow card for Dundee’s hooker.
In the following ten minutes Marr only added a try from Rory McGee to extend the lead as Dundee fought hard to minimise Marr’s advantage.

Under pressure Dundee’s penalty count quickly rose as Marr tried to exploit any and every opportunity. On 25 minutes Mackenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters Garage) took a quick tap and go and set up an attacking move that saw the ball fed out to winger Stuart Howie (sponsored by Fusion Sportswear) and from 35m metres he beat three defenders to score under the posts. Seven minutes later Craig Kolarik and Colin Sturgeon combined perfectly to add another seven points.

In the final five minutes Dundee finally got on to the front foot and their efforts were rewarded by a converted try.

In the opening plays of the second half Marr withstood significant Dundee pressure and winning turnover ball just inside their own half a counter-attack ended with Scott Bickerstaff (sponsored by McKays Bar) being unleashed and running in a converted try from 55 metres.

In response Dundee upped the ante and placed Marr under even more pressure. After a ten minute sustained onslaught they were rewarded with a second converted try scored by Josh Rutnagar.

At the start of the final quarter Marr stretched the lead with a second try from Scott Bickerstaff. Further pressure from Marr was rewarded six minutes later as Craig Kolarik crashed through following several phases of attacking play.

As the match drew to a close Dundee worked ferociously to salvage a point but found Marr’s defence inflexible and patient.

Marr’s persistence and perseverance was rewarded with the final score with McKenzie Pearce adding try number seven as he finished off a great break from Kris Kirk.
From a Marr Rugby perspective it was the best team performance of the season so far and importantly against one of the league’s strongest sides. It sets the team up for a compelling fixture against league leaders Falkirk who next week arrive at Fullarton with an unbeaten record.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match: Ben Johnston (sponsored by Professor Sir James Armour)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Rory McGee; Stuart Howie; Colin Sturgeon; Scott Bickerstaff (2); Craig Kolarik and Mackenzie Pearce
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (3)
Penalty: Colin Sturgeon (2)