Marr Rugby’s 1st and 3rd XV’s provided the rugby action on Saturday. Both teams delivered big wins that continue to see them challenging for end of season success. Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV had a free weekend due to Cartha’s removal from their league.

The 1st XV had an early start to travel to the Borders to play Selkirk. With both clubs targeting an end of season play off place it was crucial that Marr won and narrowed the point gap between them and Selkirk; while the home side had the opportunity of doing the double and securing a bigger gap. The day started with Selkirk in fourth place and six points ahead. It ended with a Marr win, but Selkirk’s losing bonus may be all important as both clubs now run into the final three matches of the league campaign. Selkirk remain in the driving seat and there is even less margin of error for both sides.

Selkirk always make Marr struggle, especially at Phillphaugh, and yesterday was no different. The home side had a lightning start as they scored from the kick off. They added a penalty as Marr struggled to get some consistency. However Marr kept their cool and finally managed to start converting good possession and territory into points. Taking a lead in the second half the final result never looked in doubt; it was going to be the margin. The home defence was relentlessly battered but held firm, ultimately earning a deserved losing bonus point. Marr’s four points reward narrowed the gap and continues to offer a thread of hope to further close in on and overtake Selkirk to claim the final playoff spot.

See the Offside Line’s match report HERE

See match photos HERE

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers and Dough Pizza man of the match
Tries: Conor Bickerstaff and Scott Bickerstaff
Conversion: Colin Sturgeon
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (2)

Man of the match: Gordon Reid (sponsored by TR Bonnyman and Son)

Meanwhile at Fortress Fullarton the 3rd XV faced a top of the table clash against GHK Students. Marr dominated and their efforts were rewarded with a bonus point win. The result pushed GHK down to fourth spot and with second placed West of Scotland losing on the road to Lenzie the 3s have strengthened their position as league leaders. They have opened up a six point lead and with three matches remaining, including an end of season trip to Burnbrae, the battle for the league title shaping up for a dramatic finish.

Marr Rugby 3rd XV scorers and man of the match
Tries: Archie Jackson: Thomas Watkins; Sean Kelly and Liam Morrison
Conversions: Thomas Watkins (4)

Man of the match: Thomas Watkins

Marr Rugby’s three senior XV’s now move into the home straight of the season. Each has three matches remaining to end the season on a high.

The 1st XV are doggedly fighting to secure the fourth play-off spot. They have a tough run in starting on Saturday with a visit from Jed-Forest. It’s always a tasty tie but this season there is even much more to play for and we need a packed out Fullarton to add energy to Marr’s side. We are hosting a pre-match lunch – see details HERE- with guest speaker Robbie Duncan helping the supporters’ warm-up.

The 2nd XV are sitting in third place and face a potentially tricky away tie against Hamilton.

The 3rd XV are also on the road and take on Allan Glen’s, always a tough battle but this will be even more so as the home side fight to get out of the relegation zone.

Marr Rugby next fixtures – 21.1.2023 (all 2pm kick offs)
1s: HOME v Jed-Forest RFC
2s: AWAY v Hamilton Bulls
3s: AWAY v Allan Glen’s 2s