Marr Rugby’s 1st XV’s took top spot in National League 1 after their bonus point win at Mayfield allowed them to leapfrog Jed-Forest who could only draw against Aberdeen Grammar

Marr’s performance and result at Mayfield was achieved with a much changed side. Injuries from the last outing against Cartha meant that influential players Ben Johnston and Ross Miller were absent from the pack and Jack Scott from the back line. The return of Colin Sturgeon proved a real bonus as it allowed coach Craig Redpath to reshape his back line with Conor Bickerstaff returning to inside centre and Richard Dalgleish switching to the wing expanded Marr’s attacking options. In the pack Josh Evan’s was called up from the 2s and Fraser Grant started at number 8. Callum Steele, Curran McMillan and Liam Wallace were called up from the 2s to join the bench.

Marr started off at a fast and furious pace as they immediately set out their intent of wide attacking play. With Dundee’s rush defence deployed it needed some creative play to make line breaks. On five minutes Richard Dalgleish’s clever chip let him drop the ball into space behind the first line of defence and as he chased his kick his pace was sufficient to beat the cover defence to touch down and score near the corner. Colin Sturgeon added the additional points with the first of five successful conversions.

Dundee worked hard in defence as they provided a dark blue wall to prevent Marr getting much return out of their possession. They also enjoyed good periods of possession but in a similar vein found Marr’s defence unbending. The next break for Marr came at the start of the second quarter. Marr’s pack had secured dominance at the set piece scrum and lineout and from these platforms the backs were enjoying good quality ball. Marr encamped near to Dundee’s line. The home side found themselves under severe pressure. Repeated infringements were penalised and Marr confidently opted for the option of playing from a 5m scrum. Following a penalty Dundee lost a player to a yellow card and Marr capitalised in the following play as Colin Sturgeon blasted through from close range.

Playing a man short Dundee’s determination and spirit showed through as for the remainder of the ten minutes they held possession and prevented Marr for enjoying and further points advantage.

Just before half time Marr once again managed to unlock the home defence. The break came as Findlay Hazel and Scott Bickerstaff delivered a masterclass in pace and passing interplay to break through the cover defence. As Scott Bickerstaff found open space he turned on his afterburners to race in and score.

The opening quarter of the second half was scoreless as Dundee and Marr continued to defend well. At the start of the final quarter Marr once again encamped in Dundee’s 22 metre area. Scrum dominance brought them to a perfect attacking position close to Dundee’s line. Fraser Grant’s pick up and drive saw him cross the line and touch down only to have try disallowed as referee Lee Fish viewed a slight knock on as the ball was grounded. Marr immediately made amends by winning the resulting scrum against the head and Fraser Grant made sure of the points as he burrowed his way through a pile of defenders.

Marr’s final score came on 72 minutes after the defence was stretched to allow Liam McLoughlin to race in to score in the corner. Dundee closed the game with a number of good attacks but their energy and effort went unrewarded as Marr’s defence held firm to keep a blank sheet.

News of the result from Riverside Park brought added joy to the Marr support. As the season starts the reverse fixtures we have the top five clubs separated by only five points. NL1 is once again shaping up for a real tussle for the top spot with little margin for error between the pack chasing the title. In coming weeks Marr will face Jed-Forest and Musselburgh in must win matches to maintain the momentum.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match – Colin Sturgeon (sponsored by Craig Armour)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Richard Dalgleish; Colin Sturgeon; Scott Bickerstaff; Fraser Grant and Liam McLoughlin
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (5)