Winter rugby arrived at Fullarton in ferocious and unforgiving fashion with the match played in extreme conditions – bitterly cold high winds that help plummet the temperature along with driving and at times torrential rain. Despite this, 150 or so hardy souls got well wrapped up to brave the elements and cheer on both sides players who did their best to keep the crowd entertained.

The low score reflects just how tough it was for either side to get any decent continuity of play or truly master the conditions. However, it also indicates just how tight and stubborn both defences were. With the wind behind them Marr got off to a promising start and quickly pressured the Dundee line. In an effort to stymie potential five or seven point advantage from a try scoring opportunity Dundee were willing to cede three points and concede penalties. Within five minutes Rory McGee knocked one over to give Marr an early lead.

From the restart Marr again exerted pressure towards the Dundee line. Johnny McClung (sponsored by Irvine Decontamination Ltd) made a couple of promising breaks that took play into Dundee’s 22m area but there found a solid and unforgiving defensive wall. Too often Marr’s forays came to nothing as the ball was spilled or Dundee’s defensive work secured turnover ball.

Marr’s pack worked well in open play, with Kyle Vallance, Scott Nimmo and Dylan Rowe impressing. In the set piece scrum they quickly realised that it would be a tough day. Playing against a much bigger eight Marr struggled and had to work hard to win any decent clean ball from which the backs might attack. Their efforts weren’t helped when Rowe (sponsored by TR Bonnyman) had to retire injured after only 20 minutes. Dundee’s formidable pack, marshalled and controlled by captain and ex-Glasgow Warriors’ player Alan Brown, provided Marr with a good lesson that will stand them in good stead for matches ahead.

Behind them, Scotland 7’s cap Andy Dymock, playing at scrum half for Dundee, kept Marr playing on the back foot. In twenty minutes Dundee’s patient and effective defence finally provided them an offensive opportunity and they executed this to perfection leading to a try from prop Stevie Longwell. In response Marr again pressed but Dundee’s defence was solid despite losing a player to a yellow card. Marr could find no way through and the first half ended with no further score.

In the second half with the wind behind them and with dominance in set piece scrum Dundee’s supporters anticipated their side would rout Marr. An early penalty extended the lead but Marr’s players showed some true grit as they threw their all into defence. In the final quarter a further penalty further stretched the lead. Marr finally managed to get the chance to pressure deep into Dundee territory but could find no way to break through and repeatedly had to start again from 60 metres out as Dundee cleared their lines.

All in all for Marr this was another telling lesson. The positives included that they did not concede and collapse playing against a much bigger and experienced side that included many seasoned players. They also had the opportunity to learn about how they might better play the breakdown area and the effort and guile needed to open up defences at this level of Scottish club rugby.

As we now move forward to the rest of the return leg fixtures Marr Rugby’s players have the opportunity to put the learning into action.

The next opportunity is an away visit to Myerside where they will face a Watsonians side that includes former British Lion player and Scotland cap Simon Taylor. With Watsonians currently lying in fourth place in the league and vying for one of the two promotion spots Marr can expect little room to catch breath and errors will be punished. Coaches Craig Redpath and Paul Burke will undoubtedly give their counsel, support and advice to help Marr’s young players to best prepare for the significant challenge that lies ahead.

Marr man of the match: Kyle Vallance (sponsored by Martin’s Gardens)

Marr scorer
Penalty: Rory McGee (1)