Marr’s introduction to National League 1 rugby involved a visit to Mayfield where former Premier side Dundee High School’s team and supporters were waiting in anticipation of securing a comfortable victory that would let them take their first steps on the ladder to promotion

In the opening exchanges they found Marr still finding their feet and within 10 minutes had taken the opportunities presented to quickly score a penalty and unconverted try.

Marr finally wakened and got stuck in and closed the first quarter showing flashes of the strengths of play that had brought them into this league. Marr’s forwards, led by captain Stephen Adair (Footprint Energy Scotland Ltd) took a good hold and started to make good gains in territory and possession. Dundee’s response was a lesson in how to disrupt at the breakdown and manage the flow of play, without over committing defenders and ensure that a solid defensive line meant Marr’s progress was limited. Opportunities for Marr’s backs were limited and quickly me with a wall of defenders putting in telling tackles.

Hard work and effort from the pack did eventually bring rewards and a series of penalties brought Marr close to Dundee’s line and quick thinking from Stephen Adair saw him crash through from close range to score a converted try. With the momentum in Marr’s court a second unconverted try was quickly added. Good intensive interplay between forwards and backs finally managed to open some space and gaps. A Rory McGee break through and back flip off load at the tackle to Scott Bickerstaff gave him his first real chance to test the wide defence. It was solid but Marr retained possession and played a series of phases across the park before Scott was again unleashed and this time there was no stopping him as he ran in to touch down near the corner.

This gave Marr the lead but this advantage was short lived as Dundee promptly struck back with two tries in quick succession. Dundee scrum half gave a good lesson in game reading and management as he identified and exploited gaps in Marr’s defence or any mistake made.

Playing with a pace and intensity that moving forward Marr will have to match they regained the lead. Marr’s cause was made harder when midway through the second quarter Grant Baird retired injured and Scott Bickerstaff took a heavy challenge that restricted his further threat. Gregor Ness (sponsored by Bearing Gifts) moved position to assume debut duties at scrum half for the remainder of the match. This change created a further positional shuffle of Marr’s back line with Rory McGee moving from full back to stand off and Stewart Howie switching from wing to full back. Ali Walker was brought on to cover the wing.

Dundee continued to apply pressure and added a penalty and a further unconverted try to leave the half time score 30 – 12.

At the start of the second half Dundee added a further unconverted try to take a commanding lead. As the Dundee supporters relished the prospect of further home scores they quickly realised that Marr were far from down and out.

The final 30 or so minutes saw spirited Marr play with good possession and intensity that several times brought them into Dundee’s red zone. Scott Nimmo used his bulk to good effect to burst through and touch down for an unconverted try to reduce the deficit. Several other good attacking opportunities were presented but a mixture of factors; in particular some exceptional defensive work by Dundee kept their line intact. Whilst not scoring Marr’s players threw everything they had into their attempts. The physical demand of the efforts began to take its toll and Marr had to introduce all of their replacement cover for injuries and to inject fresh legs.

Dundee held firm and managed to run time down to bring the match to a close with no further scores added.

For Marr this was a good hard lesson on what to expect and provide an understanding on what will be required for the campaign that lies ahead. All 20 players involved will have taken away a great deal that will stand them in good stead as the season progresses. The first test of this will take place this Saturday when the 1st XV play their opening home match against Watsonians, who have strengthened their squad with the introduction of several high quality players, most notably former Scotland and British Lion cap Simon Taylor.

Marr man of the match: Scott Nimmo (sponsored by Jim McGuffie)

Marr scorers

Tries: Stephen Adair (1), Scott Bickerstaff (1) and Scott Nimmo (1)

Conversions: Rory McGee (1)

Next fixtures – Saturday 13 September 2014 (kick-offs 3pm)

1st XV – Home v Watsonians (League)

2nd XV – Away v Dalziel (League)

3rd XV – Away v Allan Glens 2s (League)