Marr College S2 vs Morrison's Academy

One of the good things about the school and club conferences this season has been the introduction to teams we have not played before. So it was on Saturday when Morrison's Academy made the long trip from Crieff to play Marr College S2s; they had had several close matches with other sides in the conference, the sun was out and the wind & rain had gone away, so the match promised to be a good one. It didn't disappoint.

A diversion led to Morrison's arriving later than planned but after a quick change and very quick warm-up the match started. Marr began brightly against a well organised opposition but 2 early attacks led to nothing as Marr were slow to exploit overlaps or crowded out their own winger but another attack finally led to Cameron Paterson going over for the first score. Cameron crossed for another score shortly afterwards (both converted by Harry) before Morrison's hit back with a move of their own which created an overlap allowing them to score in the corner for an unconverted try to leave Marr 8-3 up. Marr rallied and further pressure allowed Cameron Mackenzie to score a try with Harry again converting. Half-time 12-3.

In the second half Marr continued to dominate possession and territory but Morrison's made them work for every phase of play. Morrison's also kicked more this half allowing Calum Morton to run at them from full-back on several occasions and he duly crossed for the first score of the half which Scott Stirton converted. Cameron Mackenzie then scored again before Adam Brotherwood ended an excellent line-out and maul move with his try which Scott again converted. Having been hampered by a lack of space in the first half, Shaun finally got a chance to turn on the after-burners and scored a try in the far corner before being denied a second try by an excellent tackle right on the goal line right at the end of the game. Final score 26-3 to Marr.

Although the score did not flatter Marr's territory, possession and finishing it was unfair on Morrison's who were a very well drilled side, made Marr work every minute of the match and, having turned up late with only 15 men, it may be a different story if we have to visit them next year. Both sides played very well with some excellent rucking and tackling with Marr's set-piece and passing probably carrying the day.

The result leaves Marr top of the S2 School Black Conference table (if we calculated one - it's a whole school competition). Next week we have our final school conference match against South Ayrshire state school rivals Carrick Academy. A win will ensure we end the inaugural conference season top of our league !