Lomond win Plate final thriller

By Duncan Beckwith

Marr U18s lose out to Lomond

Marr U18s started the Plate final playing into the wind. They dominated the early exchanges and after a number of good carries Keir Gaw crashed over for an unconverted try. Lomond then built some pressure close to the Marr line and they soon scored a converted try to tske the lead 7-5. They soon extended their lead with a converted try off a lineout.

Marr pressed towards the end of the half but were unable to capitalise on their territorial advantage.

Marr started the second half strongly and after a number of phases Ethan Reilly went over to reduce Lomonds lead to 14-10. However poor midfield defence allowed Lomond through for a converted try to extend Lomonds lead to 21-10.

Marr then hit a purple patch and captain Rollo Press led by example to score two tries, the first from a kick and chase where he was in support to dive over, and the second a characteristic break and run in from 40 metres out. Both tries were converted by Paterson and Marr now had the lead by 24-21.

Marr had suffered injuries to two front row members, Keir Gaw and Jamie Anderson and their situation was further hit when afrer consultation with his linesman, the referee awarded a debatable penalty try for a 'no arms' tackle and also yellow carded Paterson. 24-28 to Lomond.

Despite being a man down Marr came back immediately and scored another try through Reilly. 29-28 to Marr. However, Lomond took advantage of the extra man and scored two tries in quick succession, one of which was converted, to regain the lead by 42-29. Marr had no time to get back into the match and the game ended with no further score. A thoroughly exciting match though Marr will feel that the game was there to be won. The U18s squad is young with most of the squad in fifth year. Hopefully a fresh cup challenge can be launched again next year. Special mention must be made of the senior sixth year squad members, especially captain Rollo Press, who have been a real encouragement and inspiration to the younger squad members.