For sixty minutes the match was evenly balanced with only a score separating the sides in Marr’s favour.

Marr opened the scoring after ten minutes with a converted penalty. Jed-Forest responded well and applied pressure to test Marr’s defence but could find no way through. On the half hour mark the lead was extended with a converted try scored after Marr enjoyed about five minutes of play in Jed-Forest’s 22m area. After a couple of penalties where they opted to kick to touch in the corner Marr forward’s pick and goes met stiff resistance before they finally managed to find a way through as Stuart Howie (sponsored by Fusion Sportswear) came in from his wing to act as an auxiliary centre and power through to score from 20 metres.

Jed-Forest quickly hit back with a well worked try scored by scrum half Danny Ritchie. Just before half time Jed conceded a penalty within kickable range and Colin Sturgeon added three points. Jed-Forest closed the first half’s scoring with a penalty to reduce the deficit to just three points and the half ended Marr 13 Jed-Forest 10.

Marr had the best of the opening exchanges of the second half and after ten minutes Ben Johnston charged into space and as he was tackled offloaded to his brother Angus who completed the try scoring move.

Jed-Forest fought back and after a good passage of play winger Robbie Shirra-Gibb scored in the corner to close the gap to five points.

As the final quarter opened Marr suffered a blow as Kris Kirk was sin binned to give Jed-Forest an extra man advantage that usually converts on average to a seven point benefit. However Marr’s remaining players lifted their work rate to even higher levels and managed to outplay their opponents. Several good phases of play and possession took Marr close to Jed-Forest’s line before prop Fraser ‘Rhino’ Ferguson (sponsored by Waddell & Mackintosh) make the breakthrough taking an inside pass from Colin Sturgeon to slice through to score.

Returning to full strengths Marr’s stamina and fitness provided the vital edge as Jed-Forest fought to reduce the gap and seek at least a losing bonus point. Marr’s defence was severely tested but some telling tackles won turnover ball to ease the pressure and provide counter-offensive chances as the clock ran down to the final whistle.

Marr Rugby man of the match – Ollie Rossi (sponsored by Allan Mackintosh)
Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Stuart Howie (1), Angus Johnston (1) and Fraser Ferguson (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (3)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (2)