Hamilton U13 Vs Marr Rugby U13

Marr Rugby S1 visited Hamilton on Mothers Day with both teams being well supported. The prematch warm up went well and conditions were ideal for both teams to play rugby. Hamilton got the game underway, and although the conditions were ideal there were several errors by both teams. Marr broke from the back of a scrum on their 22, however a dropped ball was recycled through the Hamilton's backs and finished off with an arched run from the Hamilton left wing. The conversion was narrowly missed by the Hamilton (10) from a challenging angle.

Marr restarted the game and after several phases of billigerent play from the forwards, the ball was released through the backs to the Marr fullback who beat his opposing number to score under the posts. The conversion by the Marr (10) was successful the score Hamilton 3 Marr 4.

Hamilton took note of how Marr had scored and from the restart, and adopted the route one approach with some fine possession being maintained with committed tackling by Marr and clinical clearest by Hamilton. The Hamilton (9) lifted the tempo of the game with the Hamilton (10) running from an acute angle breaking a tackle and scoring near the posts. The conversion missed by the Hamilton (10) to Marr's fortune given the location of the kick. Score Hamilton 6 Marr 4.

The game was approaching half time and both teams should be acknowledged for attacking rugby and stalwart defence. The second half began with Marr deciding to deploy players from the bench. Marr working hard at the breakdown securing ball and progressing into the Hamilton half of the pitch, the Marr 10 demanding the ball put through Marr's inside centre, who stepped his opposing number to run in a fine try. The Conversion by the Marr (10) successful. Score Hamilton 6 Marr 8

The game restarted and Hamilton encouraged by securing the ball from the restart, were anxious to get the next score. Unfortunately a dropped ball, picked up by Marr, then dropped followed by the Hamilton left wing being dragged in to touch was frantic and perhaps being viewed by both sets of coaches with hands over there eyes. The Line-out was lost by Marr followed by several missed tackles allowed the Hamilton forward to finish past the last defender with a fine sidestep. The conversion was missed by the (10) Score Hamilton 9 Marr 8

Hamilton were nest to score, again very similar to the last try, with Marr taking the opportunity behind the posts to re focus on their play for the remainder of the second half. Conversion successful and was a fine strike from an acute angle Hamilton 14 Marr 8.

The refocused approach to phase play and doing the basics well, and some fine hands across the backline led the fullback to score in the corner. Conversion missed by Marr. Score Hamilton 14 Marr 11.

The Marr Vice captain lead by example with some bulldozing runs and the team cohesion to commit to the breakdown allowed the Marr (9) to increase the tempo of the game. Hamilton were struggling with pace and after several continued phases of play and Hamiltons diligence in tackling Marr went through the backs to find the Marr full back to run under the posts. Conversion successful. Hamilton 14 Marr 15.

The last five minutes remained, but there was no time for Hamilton to examine the past purple & gold patch of play and were determined to have the final say. Hamilton spent the remaining 5 minutes in the Marr 22 with admirable play by both teams to win a reflection of a well spirited contest. Marr presented Hamilton with a fine opportunity through indiscipline, however there was a tap and go by Hamilton which was short, only for Marr to highlight there had to be two passes in play. The referee agreed and reset the penalty award, Marr were stout in defence, after waves of possession, the Marr 9 turned over the ball and kicked the ball out to win the game.

The game was throughly enjoyed by the players, coaches and supporters on a fine day for Rugby. The respective coaches met post game and were equally pleased with the game but slightly bemused on a fine day why both teams dropped so many passes. Marr Rugby look forward to extending a warm welcome to Hamilton in the 17/18 season for a rematch.