Marr U18s lose final game of the season to strong Kelvinside team

Marr U18s travelled to Glasgow for what will probably be their last competitive match of the season. A number of sixth years returned for their last turnout for the school to face a Kelvinside squad, who had reached the final of Shield at Murrayfield earlier in the season.

Kelvinside played with the strong, bitterly cold wind in their favour and put Marr under early pressure. This was rewarded by a try by their massive lock forward who charged through to score under the posts. Despite this early set back Marr then had a period of play where they controlled the ball and went up the pitch. However any turnover ball resulted in them being back to square one and working away again from their own 22. The forwards competed well with a solid scrum platform, though the wind made the lineout a bit more of a lottery for both teams. The Marr tackling was generally sound though Kelvinside always semed to be on the front foot with their big front five repeatedly carrying the ball over the gain line.

A missed tackle did however allow Kelvinside to go over for a second try to increase their lead to 12-0. Marr then scored a great try themselves with Sandy Morgan breaking clear from his own half who then fed wing Evan Light to continue the move and score in the corner. 12-5 to Kelvinside.

Kelvinside then lost their number 8 to the sin bin for ten minutes just before half time but Marr were unable to capitalise on their man advantage.

In the second half Kelvinside continued to press and the constant pressure eventually allowed them to go over for their third try which was converted to increase their lead to 19-5. It was then Marr's turn to lose a player with Jamie Anderson, son of former 'angel' Jim Anderson being shown a yellow card. Kelvinside then took the opportunity to score a fourth converted try which made the final score 24-5 in Kelvinside Academy's favour.

Despite the loss a lot of positives can be taken from the game and with the Marr under 16s beating their Kelvinside counterparts comfortably there is the potential to develop a really competitive squad for next season. The two senior squad both reached Murrayfield finals though, unfortunately both fell at the final hurdle. It is to be hoped that next season we can go one step better.

The coaches would like to wish all the sixth year squad members who are leaving school the very best for the future and hope that they will continue playing, at Marr Rugby or some other club, wherever their studies and work take them.