Marr’s preparations for this important match suffered a late setback as on form winger Scott Bickerstaff had to withdraw from the squad on Saturday morning, due to illness. As a result Murray Beckwith (sponsored by Arthur Dunsmuir) was promoted from the bench and Ry McInnes was switched from the 2s squad to the 1s bench.

In recent matches Stewart’s Melville have been improving and playing well. Performances and results have seen them progress from the basement of the league. From the kick-off it was clear the squad was determined to secure a home win and that the coaching team of Gordon Henderson and Nick McCashin had prepared their players well to counter Marr’s attacking threat. An effective blitz defence made life uncomfortable for Marr. Stewart’s Melville opened the scoring in two minutes after Marr were penalised and Mike Haining slotted his kick. This buoyed the home side who enjoyed ten or so minutes of possession and pressure before Marr finally got onto the front foot.

Gregor Ness managed to unlock an otherwise solid defence and set up the move that included good interplay with Gregor Paxton who offloaded in the tackle to Angus Johnston (sponsored by A1 Skips) and he galloped in from 35 metres. In a swirling wind the conversion was unsuccessful and this gave first indication that points from kicks would be at a premium. The score came at a cost. Marr’s game plan was further affected as Gregor Paxton was forced to retire following injury in the tackle leading to the score. Kenny Diffenthal was brought on and a re-shuffle of positions saw Gregor Ness moved from fullback to centre.

For the following ten minutes Marr continued to put Stewart’s Melville under pressure. Marr’s play at the breakdown seemed more dynamic and aggressive. Just after 20 minutes of play Marr added a second try courtesy of Colin Sturgeon. The score came after powerful charges from Andrew Acton and Ben Johnston took play deep into the home sides half.

Just after the half hour mark Marr added try three. From a lineout Marr attacked Stewart’s Melville‘s line. Murray Beckwith was tackled just short of the line but quick re-cycling allowed the attack to continue and Mackenzie Pearce breenged through to score.

Stewart’s Melville responded well and were rewarded just before half-time with a try as pacey winger James Ferguson scored in the corner.

The home side’s half time pep talk had a clear effect as immediately at the start of the second half they added a second try once again from Ferguson who finished off a great handling move. Marr responded well and their pack finally managed to take a stranglehold on the match. On fifty minutes try four was added. From a close range lineout Marr’s rolling maul was impossible to legally beat and ended with Dan Law touching down. Five minutes later the move was repeated with the same outcome and scorer.
In the face of increasing pressure Stewart’s Melville showed great character and determination as they fought back. They were rewarded with a try from Jonny Grant. Marr replied with another good period of play camped in the home 22 and tried to capitalise on several penalty opportunities before finally opting to take three points from a converted penalty.

In the closing minutes of the match Stewart’s Melville made a determined bid to secure a further try score as they tried to salvage something from the match. Marr’s players weren’t generously minded and ensured their defence was as effective as the home side’s had been in the opening quarter. Marr managed to close the game out with no further scores.

Marr’s reward was a bonus point win that ensured they stayed in pole position in the league.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match: Andrew Acton (sponsored by MOR Construction)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Angus Johnston; Colin Sturgeon; Mackenzie Pearce and Dan Law (2)
Penalty: Colin Sturgeon