Tennent’s Premiership Marr 1st XV vs GHA 1st XV. K.O 2PM
Tennent’s Reserve League West 1, Marr 2nd XV vs GHA 2nd XV.K.O.1 30PM
Tennent’s Reserve League West 3, Annan 2nd XV vs Marr 3rd XV K.O 2PM

This weekend we entertain local rivals GHA which is always an interesting encounter.
Recent history between the two clubs tells us that Marr have had the advantage over GHA in recent years, however many of these results have been very close encounters.

I remember only too well, last year beating them in the last 5 minutes when Richard Dalgleish touched down for the winner, when Marr were down to 14 men, after Fraser Grant had received two yellow cards.

We have of course already played GHA this season, when Marr came out on top 48 points to 29 in a very high scoring and entertaining game at Braidholm.

GHA are currently sitting 7th in the Tennent’s Premiership. Although this sounds like they are far behind us, this is not the case. GHA could win a two games and be in a play-off position. However, they could also lose the next two games and be in contention for relegation. That is how close and exciting this seasons Premiership is. ‘Premiership, not fit for purpose’ I don’t think so!

Craig Redpath has been forced into making a couple of changes in our backs and reserves. It is great news to see the long awaited return of Marr stalwart Rory McGee. Rory has played for Marr 1st XV for well over ten years and had to miss the entire of last season, due to a serious knee injury. It is truly great to see Rory back in the purple and gold of Marr. Out is Greg Montgomery who is away for the weekend, also out is fullback Gregor Ness who has sustained a leg injury in training that unfortunately will keep him out until after Christmas.

Also in the replacements, is the welcome return of last year’s young player of the year, Findlay "Mouse" Hazel. Findlay also has been battling for fitness this year with only a couple of 2nd games under his belt. Also in line to make his senior rugby debut is 17 year old Calum Inglis. Calum has been a standout for the successful Marr College U18 side this year and thoroughly deserves his spot on the bench. Shows the conveyor belt continues to produce talent.

The Marr pack has hardly changed throughout the season and this week is no different. This fact must be testament to the Marr strength and conditioning programme.
This week we heard the great news that Marr’s very own son, Scott Bickerstaff has been chosen to represent Scotland in the Dubai 7’s World Series. I remember over 20 years ago, standing on the side-lines of a Marr P4 mini game and thinking to myself ‘that Bickerstaff boy can run’ As he ran in six or seven tries in one match. Here we are, over 20 years on and we will all be watching Scott on Sky Sports, hopefully scoring many tries for Scotland! I am sure we would all like to wish Scott all the best in his international career.

A shout out for today’s match mascot who is Euan Kelly. The Marr Mini P7’s are providing the guard of honour, so please give them a big cheer.

Marr RFC 1st XV vs GHA RFC 1st XV
07/12/2019 14:00 KO

1 Brandon Sweet (11)
2 Ollie Rossi (115)
3 William Farquhar (108)
4 Ewan Hamilton-Bulger (56)
5 Fraser Grant (160)
6 Mackenzie Pearce (VC) (90)
7 Robert Brown (11)
8 Benedict Grant (11)
9 Jack Preston (9)
10 Colin Sturgeon (124)
11 Richard Dalgleish (46)
12 Conor Bickerstaff (C) (184)
13 Gregor Paxton (59)
14 Jack Scott (26)
15 Rory McGee (183)

REPLACEMENTS

16. Andrew Muir (2)
17. Calvin Henderson (34)
18. Cody Cunningham (10)
19. Calum Inglis (0)* Potential Debut
20. Findlay Hazel (20)

Marr 2nd XV will be looking for revenge as they have a chance to reverse the defeat that they received in the away fixture, earlier in the season. GHA 2nd XV have been flying this season and are similar to Marr in terms of it is very much talented youth to the fore. Strongly suggest supporters get up early to Fullarton watch what will be a cracker!

Great to see no less than 10 of last year's under U18 graduates in the squad. This year's Marr College captain Scott Rodger is set to make his first start in senior rugby.

1. Scott Rodger
2. Blair Campbell
3. Isaac Renucci
4. Callum Craig
5. Callum Steel
6. Murray Blair
7. Kyle McCulloch
8. Josh Evans (C)
9. Alex McCormack
10. Gregor Beckwith
11. Matthew O'Leary
12. Andrew Mill
13. Scott MacDonald
14. George Dunn
15. Ryan Brown

16. Mark Allison
17. Richie McNicol
18. Neil Wallace
19. Graeme Dick
20. Ali Craig
21. Sean Nicholl

Our 3rd XV face the long journey to Annan, but as ever will be looking for another commanding performance and yet another win. No doubt an enjoyable bus home with messers Watson & Morrison to the fore!