Marr Rugby’s 1st XV delivered its best all round performance so far of the season to secure a seven try to two win against Kelso and gain a much needed five point tally to boost their league position.

After the recent series of close matches and narrow defeats for Marr it was clear that the players had individually and collectively picked up on the lessons learned and across the team we saw much improved delivery, consistency and execution. Added to this was the return from injury of key players in the forwards including Paul Burke, Scott Nimmo and Kyle Vallance. Marr’s pack was further strengthened with the availability from Ayr of dual registered Ben Johnston and D’arcy Rae, a Glasgow Warriors Elite Development Pathway (EDP) player. A product of Marr Rugby’s youth system D’arcy has gained International age grade caps and progressed into a full-time rugby career.

Before the match Marr knew they faced a critical battle for supremacy in the forwards. Kelso, with a reputation for strength in their pack arrived at Marr with some of the biggest forwards seen at Fullarton, including two 6’9”, twenty stone plus locks.

Kelso started the match two places ahead of Marr in the league and with a four point advantage that they were determined to extend. Winning the toss they elected to play into the strong wind and quickly realised that perhaps this wasn’t their best decision as from the whistle Marr hit them like a tornado.

Playing at a blistering pace Marr pressured Kelso’s defence and within four minutes won a penalty that Rory McGee converted. This was quickly followed on ten minutes by the opening try which was scored by Will Farquhar (sponsored by Glenn Davis). The score followed good interplay between Marr’s forwards and backs that took play deep into Kelso territory. A Ben Johnston charge was only halted by some spirited defence. The visitors secured possession and kicked to clear their lines but Gregor Ness blocked the clearance and Marr quickly recycled to renew the attack. D’arcy Rae was stopped close to the line and offloaded in the tackle to Stephen Adair who passed out to William Farquhar who was arriving at pace in support and from 5m out unstoppable, despite some close attention. With the score in the corner it was a test to see how Rory McGee would cope with the windy conditions but a perfect kick gave Marr maximum points from the try. The only downside was that William was injured while scoring and had to retire for the remainder of the match. Phil Siave came on as replacement and speedily caught up with the frenetic pace of the game. At set piece and in the loose Marr’s forwards had quickly gained the advantage and used this to press home repeated attacks through the middle which Kelso struggled to contain. Marr’s backs were able to enjoy and exploit the spaces the forwards were creating and on 24 minutes winger Andrew Gault was released at full pace down the left wing. Showing great strength and determination he shrugged off a final covering tackle and touched down in the corner for a converted try.

Kelso’s restart was taken by Phil Siave who ran on to collect the ball and set off into midfield like an express train. This followed the lead previously set by Paul Burke and the remaining Marr forwards who seemed to have an extra burst of power and speed on the ball and in close support. The 40 metre charge took Marr up to Kelso’s 22 metre line where they managed to stem the surge but in the process were penalised and Callum Rowlandson, one of their giant locks, was yellow carded. From the penalty Marr again sent the ball wide and Andrew Gault touched down corner for a converted try.

Kelso rallied and finally managed to make some decent inroads into Marr’s half. Strong forward play with close support from their half-backs gained good field position and the effort was rewarded with a converted try.

Marr quickly responded and gained a penalty in Kelso’s 22 metre area close to the line. Opting for a scrum they pressured the Kelso pack enough to win a further penalty and a quick tap and go by Ben Johnston was stopped just short of the try line. Marr protected the ball well and recycled quickly enough for D’arcy Rae to power over from close range.

This closed the first half with Marr holding a 29 – 7 advantage.

The second half gave Kelso the wind advantage and they used this well to pin Marr back deep in their own half. Marr’s defence was as solid as their attack. First time tackles were being made across the board and it took 15 minutes before Kelso finally found a way through to score a second converted try.

During this time Marr had to re-shuffle. Fraser Ferguson joined the fray and was quickly followed by Andrew Mill and Kris Kirk as heavy hits started to take their toll.

Just on the hour Marr’s pack again showed their dominance of the set piece scrum. A good attack had seen Grant Baird twist and turn to cross the line but some great defence prevented a touchdown. Marr was awarded the 5 metre scrum and the pack’s eight man shove split Kelso’s pack in half and the referee Mr Samson had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try.

In the final 20 minutes Marr poured on further misery with two more tries. In a piece of individual brilliance Scott Bickerstaff side stepped a tackle and burst out of Marr’s 22 carving a way through the heart of the Kelso line and completed a 70 metre sprint weaving his way past defenders in record time to score in the corner for an unconverted try.

As the match drew to an end Marr pressure play was rewarded with a final try from Fraser Grant and shortly afterwards the referees final whistle brought Kelso respite from Marr’s torment.

After eight extremely testing league matches head coach Craig Redpath was pleased with the improved performance. Paul Burke was inspirational from start to finish and set the standard on work rate and determination that the rest of the Marr’s squad rose to.

The win will help Marr’s confidence in this challenging league and whilst on Saturday enjoying the glow of victory we know that on Tuesday it will be back to business as preparations continue for the next vital fixture against Biggar.

Marr man of the match: Paul Burke (sponsored by A1 Skips)

Marr scorers

Tries: William Farquhar (1), Andrew Gault (2), D’arcy Rae (1), Scott Bickerstaff (1), Fraser Grant (1) and Penalty try (1)

Conversions: Rory McGee (4)

Penalties: Rory McGee (1)