Marr faced a Howe side much changed from the reverse fixture of the season and intent on fighting to extract themselves from the lower reaches of the league and consequently posing an unknown threat. Marr’s head coach Craig Redpath was clear in his preparation message that focus and determination were key. Marr’s pre-match preparations were dealt with a late blow as Rory McGee was ruled unfit and Stuart Howie (sponsored by Fusion Sportswear) responded to an eleventh hour call to step in and start at fullback.

Marr quickly got into their stride and within eight minutes pressure play netted two tries. The first was from Craig Kolarik whose deft side step wrong footed the defence. The second came after forward power play allowed space for the backs and as the ball was spread wide and Conor Bickerstaff had options of powering over from close range or off-loading in tackle and chose latter to pass to Tom Steven (spo9nsored by Craig Armour) who touched down in the corner.

The score perked Howe up and a fluid passing movement ended with Stewart Lathangie crossing to score a converted try.

Marr quickly replied with more power play form the forwards netted a try as Ben Johnston charged through from close range. Marr’s forward pressure continued and Howe struggled to contain the close quarter threat. At the start of the second quarters Howe were reduced to 14 players as their lock George Henderson was yellow carded for taking out a Marr player off the ball. Marr capitalised on the advantage as another forwards generated try was score by Ollie Rossi (sponsored by Allan Macintosh).Five minutes later Ben Johnston was on the try scoring end of a rolling maul from a close range lineout.

For the rest of the first half Marr continued to dominate. Howe’s defence was stretched but held firm.

For the first quarter of the second half Howe excelled and put Marr’s defence under a fair bit of pressure but they were unable to close of any promising moves with scores. At the end of the quarter Marr gained an advantage as Howe lost another player to a yellow card following a high tackle on Scott Bickerstaff. Within a minute Ollie Rossi added his second try for the day and two minutes later Colin Sturgeon carved a way through Howe’ s back line to add a try.

As the match reached the closing stages and gloom descended Conor Bickerstaff completed the scoring for Marr. Howe never gave up and their effort was rewarded with a final play try from Graham Thomson.

Marr Rugby’s head coach was happy with the result “It was a job well done today,” He continued. “We started very positively and played with the tempo that we expect. We made a few mistakes and dropped off a wee bit in the second half, but it was a dark and wet day and it is hard to keep going at that level for the full 80.”

Marr progress and continue as league leaders. Next week they week face another hefty challenge as they travel to Hamilton to face another side fighting to get out of the relegation zone.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match - Dan Law (sponsored by MOR Construction)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Craig Kolarik; Tom Steven; Ben Johnston (2); Ollie Rossi (2); Conor Bickerstaff and Colin Sturgeon
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (4)