U18s win top of the table clash against Morrisons

On a beautiful crisp morning Marr U18s travelled to Crieff to play unbeaten Conference rivals in a top of the table clash. Despite the early bus journey Marr started brightly and had all the early pressure. Eventually a planned move by the backs from scrum ball released Ryan Brown. Quick ruck clearout then allowed Calum Inglis to go over for an unconverted try.

Marr continued to dominate territory and possession. From a lineout the ball was recycled quickly and Ryan Brown was given the space to power over in the corner. Marr continued to press but excellent defence by Morrisons prevented any further score in the half.

Morrisons came out in the second half and had a period of sustained pressure close to the Marr line. However Marr's defence held firm before a questionable penalty try was awarded for an alleged high tackle on a player as he was falling to the ground. 10-7 and it was game on.

Morrisons had the better of the next five minutes or so as they pressed the Marr line but the purple and gold defence held firm. Marr gradually took control of the game again and a penalty allowed them to kick the ball for a lineout. Again quick ball provided Ryan Brown the space to go over for his second try. 15-7 to Marr.

Evan Light then had a run down the left wing and from a ruck close to the line replacement forward Liam Morrison crashed over for Marr's fourth try. 20-7.

Josh Affleck then stole a lineout throw, Kyle McCulloch set up a ruck in midfield, the ball was moved quickly to Gregor Beckwith who then timed his pass perfectly to allow Evan Light to scorch down the wing before touching down under the posts. Beckwith added the two points to increase Marr's lead to 27-7.

Marr still had time to steal another lineout from which Light went over in the corner for his second try to make the final score 32-7 to Marr.

Player of the match this week was a tight choice with Scott Mcdonald secure in defence, Murray Blair relentless in providing 'go forward' ball and captain Kyle McCulloch leading by example but in the end the vote went to Gregor Beckwith for his overall control of the game and his kicking from hand which allowed Marr play the match in the right areas despite his off day in conversion success.

Lots of positives from this match with the guys who had come into the team due to the injury of several senior players getting valuable game time and putting their hat in the ring for future selection. Defensively we played really well across the team. Still things we can improve but there is now a break for the October holidays before preparing in earnest for the cup tie against Strathallan at the end of October.