Marr Rugby’s 1st XV welcomed unbeaten league leaders Falkirk to Fullarton knowing that they needed to be precise and tight in defence against a side averaging almost 50 points per match for the season to date. With Grant Baird unavailable Gregor Ness (sponsored by Bearing Gifts) was brought in and his performance confirmed that Marr can rely on him to cover the key role at scrumhalf.

Marr opened the scoring on three minutes after a good attacking opportunity was illegally disrupted by Falkirk in their 22m area and Colin Sturgeon converted. Following this play swung from end to end but generally in the opening quarter Falkirk’s big pack, including former Scotland international Craig Hamilton, had the edge and provided a good platform for their pacey backs to exploit.

The Falkirk halfback partnership of Harry Russell and Liam Burns posed significant questions of Marr’s defence and Russell’s quick tap and go at a penalty provided the opening from which they scored an opening converted try.

On twenty five minutes Russell was yellow carded following an extremely dangerous tackle (although totally accidental) on Conor Bickerstaff. During the following ten minutes Marr made the best of the extra man advantage and their pressure was rewarded with two tries, the first from Scott Bickerstaff and five minutes later Conor Bickerstaff. Just before half time Colin Sturgeon added a penalty to give Marr an eleven point lead.

Within two minutes of the start of the second half Marr kept the scoreboard ticking over with another converted penalty. Five minutes later this was cancelled out as Falkirk converted a penalty and they went on to reduce the deficit with another successful penalty kick. Towards the end of the third quarter Marr enjoyed a good period of possession and pressure forcing Falkirk to concede repeated penalties in an attempt to disrupt Marr’s attacks. Patient and determined play was rewarded with a try from Kyle Vallance that was converted. Marr continued to press Falkirk and the pressure being exerted continued to be rewarded with penalties. Just into the final quarter Marr opted to kick a penalty to the corner. From the lineout a rolling maul was driven to the try line and Mackenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters, Garage) peeled off to touchdown and extend the lead to twenty points.

This spurred Falkirk into desperate measures as they tried to reduce the gap and gain something from the match. On the way they lost Liam Brims to a yellow card and were only able to add a second try in the closing stages of the match.

For Marr it was a hard battle against a skilful and dangerous team that presented a stern test. Over the eighty minutes Marr’s squad delivered a very good performance and were worthy winners. The five points gained saw them move into second place in the league two points behind the new leaders, unbeaten Jed Forest who are due to play at Fullarton on 29 October.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match - Kyle Vallance (sponsored by Martin's Gardens)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Scott Bickerstaff; Conor Bickerstaff; Kyle Vallance and Mackenzie Pearce
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (2)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (3)