For big chunks of the match Falkirk had a significant edge in set-piece play at scrum and line out and their defensive work thwarted Marr's attempts to get into any decent attacking rhythm. They also posed some big questions of Marr's defence, but this held firm with the try line protected and restricting Falkirk to two converted penalties.

In the first quarter Falkirk enjoyed most of the territory and possession. Marr’s pack was placed under real pressure at the scrum and conceded a series of penalties. A couple of these were within usual kickable range for Liam Brimms but fortunately for Marr he managed to convert only one of his attempts at goal. Just before the half hour Marr enjoyed a rare foray into Falkirk territory and as they threatened to cut open the defence they were stopped by an illegal challenge. Colin Sturgeon slotted the resultant penalty kick to level the score.

From the restart Marr won possession and immediately placed Falkirk under real pressure. They camped near to the try line and after about five minutes of power play gained a real advantage as Falkirk were force to repeatedly infringe to disrupt the attacks. In the process they lost a player to a yellow card. From the resulting penalty Colin Sturgeon barged in from close range for a converted try. Falkirk fired back and gained another three points from a penalty.

Just before half time Marr stretched their lead with another forwards led try. A series of close range driving mauls forced further Falkirk penalties and eventually led to a mass pile up of bodies over the line. In the mess, the referee was well placed and saw that Stephen Adair had touched the ball down on the line.

At the start of the second half Marr finally managed to get some continuity in play and started to stretch Falkirk’s defence. Conor Bickerstaff added a third try which was converted by Colin Sturgeon. As Marr added to the pressure Falkirk’s indiscipline resulted in another yellow card – this time ex-Scotland internationalist Craig Hamilton was given a breather. To this point he had been at the core of Falkirk’s defensive play that was so successful in neutralising Marr. As the home fans shuddered and the visitors savoured the prospect of the consequences of the advantage, few would have anticipated Falkirk’s riposte. For the ten minutes they played as though they had a two man advantage and Marr was unable to find any gaps.

Back to full strength Falkirk once again exerted pressure on Marr’s scrum and gained a yellow card advantage. Andrew Acton was sin binned to give Falkirk a significant advantage. As it transpired they failed to capitalise as Marr’s fourteen players tackled like demons and prevented any home advantage.

In the closing stages of the match Marr tried valiantly to secure the try bonus pointy but they were thwarted by a defence that wasn’t inclined to lie down.

All in all a good win for Marr playing away from home against a side that plays to their strengths and offer Marr’s players a good learning curve.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match: Ben Johnston (sponsored by Jimmy Armour)
Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Colin Sturgeon; Stephen Adair and Conor Bickerstaff
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (3)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (1)