Marr Rugby 1st XV match summary: This match was do or die for both sides. Marr sought to maintain their slender advantage as league leaders while Jed needed a win to keep them on track as outside runner for the play-off place. Marr’s previous visits to Riverside Park had ended in home wins therefore the home support expected a similar result. Little did they realise that this Marr side has been learning as they go. Recent results, performances and guidance from head coach Craig Redpath led to them delivering the most cohesive and comprehensive performance of the season to date.

Marr’s preparations were disrupted as Andrew Acton was ruled out following an injury sustained at Selkirk. As the coaching team considered options for cover Andy Kelly (sponsored by Glenn Davis) stepped up to make another return from retirement and he went on bounce and rumble about the park as lively and energetic as a spring lamb.

From the kick-off Marr took the game by the scruff of the neck. Quickly it became apparent that Marr held the advantage in set piece play. For most of the opening quarter they laid siege to Jed Forest’s line, only to be held at bay by determined defending with no or little quarter being given. Marr showed good composure and patience as they steadily applied pressure. Ultimately they were rewarded with the opening try, scoring at the end of the first quarter. Marr won a scrum against the head and Scott Bickerstaff was brought into midfield play. As he was stopped quick recycling allowed Colin Sturgeon to find the whitewash. As Marr pressed to add a second Jed gave a sharp reminder of their capabilities when a rare foray into Marr territory led to a try from Gregor Young.

Marr responded quickly. Within Marr doubled their try score as Dan Law finished off an attack that followed a turnover ball from an under pressure Jed scrum. From the restart Marr continued the onslaught and Jed were forced into desperate defence. Just before half-time they were reduced to 14 men as Lewis Young was yellow carded for a slap down to prevent a Marr score. Marr capitalised on the extra man as Scott Bickerstaff scored in the corner.

At the start of the second half Marr continued as they had left off. Dan Law added his second and Marr’s try number four. This was quickly followed by a fifth as Colin Sturgeon cut loose. Jed finally managed to get some parity in possession and started to further test Marr’s defence. Line breaks were made but Marr’s cover defence was secure.

In the final quarter the game started to open up and both sides had promising chances stopped by good defensive work. With the pace and intensity being maintained it was inevitable that gaps would appear. Jed made the most of two opportunities to score as they tried to get some reward for their efforts. Meanwhile Marr had the final say as they closed out the match with Tom Steven (sponsored by Craig Armour) blasting through the defence and scoring under the posts.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match – Ben Johnston (sponsored by Jimmy Armour)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Colin Sturgeon (2); Dan Law (2); Scott Bickerstaff and Tom Steven
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (4)