Dollar beat Marr in quarter final clash

Marr just fell short in their attempt to win a semi final place in the Scottish Schools Cup as Dollar Academy ran out winners by 37-17. Any one watching the match though would confirm that the final score line did Marr an injustice as the score was only 20-17 in Dollar’s favour with seven minutes to go before Marr received two yellow cards and the hosts scored a penalty and two converted tries.

Marr knew that they would have to raise their level of intensity from the Strathallan victory last week as on current form this season Dollar must be in the top three or four U18 teams in the country with the team littered with district grade players.

Marr appeared hesitant in the first few minutes of the match and early Dollar pressure resulted in a penalty which their scrum half converted. From the restart Marr put some pressure on the Dollar defence but a break following an interception from their own ten metre line provided Dollar with their first try which was converted to give them a 10-0 lead.

Marr at last began to play in the right areas of the field and after a penalty was kicked to the corner, following a dangerous tackle on Jamie Drummond, the forwards made a number of pick and drives before Drummond crashed over. Gregor Beckwith kicked the conversion from wide out. 10 – 7 to Dollar.

Dollar then lost their huge second row for ten minutes following a no arms tackle but despite the man advantage Marr were unable to capitalise. Indeed it was Dollar who moved the ball well to score an unconverted try in the corner. 15-7 which remained the score at half time.

Dollar received a second yellow at the start of the second half and this time Marr did make use of the man advantage with captain Kyle McCulloch going over for a try following a number of carries close to the line. Beckwith again added the conversion to reduce Dollar’s advantage to one point. Marr were dominant at this point, with their scrum, who drove the larger Dollar pack all game, in the ascendency. Turnovers, with McCulloch, Drummond and man of the match Mackenzie Smith to the fore gave Dollar a torrid time at the breakdown. A penalty by Beckwith, to give Marr the lead 17- 15, was scant reward for their efforts.

From the restart Dollar won the contest for the ball and moved the ball well to retake the lead with an unconverted try. Marr pressed Dollar again but were soon defending when a quick breakout put them under pressure. A yellow card was then given to a Marr player for offside and Dollar decided to take the three points. 23-17.

Two further scores then ensued in the last few minutes when Marr were reduced to 14 and then 13 men. Marr just fell short against a quality Dollar team. This was the toughest match of their season by far and Marr can be proud of the way they competed. We wish Dollar well in their semi final against St Aloysius.

Next up for Marr is a top of the table Conference clash at the school playing fields on Saturday against Lomond. Kick off is at 9.30 to allow people to get over to Murrayfield or up to Cartha to watch the 1sts. If you can, come up and watch the boys on Saturday. They did their school, club, coaches, the wider Marr family and themselves proud in their performance against Dollar and deserve your support.