Summary: On a bleak, wet, windy and dim day at Fullarton Marr Rugby’s 1st and 2nd XV’s ran out narrow losers to GHA in the double header. A crowd of almost 250 hardy souls braved the elements, with the visiting support warmed by their sides’ performances and results while the home support and players were left miserable and ruing missed chances.

Marr’s 1st XV’s long run of home wins stretching back to January 2018 came to an end as some determined defensive work by GHA thwarted repeated efforts to breach the try line. Added to this, Marr’s usually precise goal kicking was a bit off song, albeit many were left scratching their head as what seemed to all as a successful conversion was not agreed as such by the two assistant referees.

During the first half Marr dominated but were unable to convert this pressure into points. GHA’s defence was impressive and unyielding and they were also able to make great use of the limited opportunities to venture into Marr territory. Their first opportunity came on 10 minutes when an interception on halfway by James Edgar saw him race to the line and touch down in the corner for a converted try. For the next twenty five minutes Marr continued to hammer home repeated attacks but couldn’t make the final break. Just before half time GHA got back into Marr territory and won a penalty that was converted to open up a 10 point lead and close out the half.

In the second half, with the strong wind on their backs, Marr’s players tried to lift the tempo but in the third quarter they continued to find GHA refusing to buckle.

After ten minutes of pressure Marr’s scant reward was a Colin Sturgeon penalty. GHA extended their lead with a converted try and as the wind and rain picked up, what little light there had been faded and the day started to look bleak for the home support.

On 62 minutes Marr finally got some cheer and reward for their efforts. Winning a lineout close to GHA’s line it was a rolling maul that managed to trundle over the line and as it collapsed Mackenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters Garage) was able to touch down. Colin Sturgeon converted.

Ten minutes later in a repeat of the first try Marr’s pack bulldozed their way through the GHA defence and Robert Brown claimed the try. The conversion wasn’t awarded.

This generated a furious final five minutes of play as GHA stubbornly held on while Marr threw everything they had left in a desperate attempt to get a winning score. In the final play Marr were awarded a penalty on half way but the kick slipped past the upright leaving GHA’s celebrations to begin.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match – Will Farquhar (Sponsored by Alex Graham)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Mackenzie Pearce and Robert Brown
Conversion: Colin Sturgeon
Penalty: Colin Sturgeon