While this improved the ground conditions nothing could be done to mitigate the extreme weather conditions that the players, backroom staff, match officials and supporters had to endure.

Credit goes to one and all for taking on Storm Jorge.

The players showed great rugby skills in dealing with extreme cold, very wet and windy conditions. The 300 or so hardy souls supporting from the touchline braved the elements and had the advantage over the players and match officials of multiple water and wind proof layers.

Playing into the gale force wind Marr immediate tried to get the first advantage. However they found Hawks, who are fighting for league survival, in no mood to roll over. And, in fact, it was Hawks who opened the scoring. With 10 minutes on the clock they made a rare sortie into Marr territory and from a scrum they managed to spread the ball wide and their pacey backs showed great handling skills as they left Marr’s defence looking as though they were stuck in quick sand. With the wind behind the extra points from the conversion was a simple task.

The sting spurred Marr on to increase their already fast tempo. Leading from the front, Marr’s captain Conor Bickerstaff made some devastating runs to challenge and test Hawks defence. Within five minutes Marr managed to level the score as they took play close to Hawks line and as they hammered home close range attacks the Hawks defence was sucked in and spreading the ball wide Marr’s backs executed a training ground play that ended with Greg Montgomery (sponsored by Mono Consultants) crossing to score near the corner.

One of the magic moments of the season followed as Gregor Paxton (sponsored by Hugh Smith) lined up the conversion attempt. Kicking from out wide and into the teeth of a gale force wind, any betting person would have given significant odds for a kick that actually reached the posts never mind cross the crossbar. Few on the touchline would have anticipated witnessing what happened next as Gregor launched his kick with the ball perfectly dissecting the uprights to level the score.

During the second quarter Marr continued to enjoy good periods of possession and territory but found Hawks defence in no mood to give ground. Hawks had their moments and tested Marr’s defence but found it equally disinclined to give any more space. Hawks though did gain several penalties from their persistence and just before half time opted to take a pot at goal and the successful conversion gave them a three point lead to end the first half.

Now playing with the wind behind them Marr spent most of the second half laying siege on Hawks try line but gained little to show for their effort as Hawks defended as you would expect from a side trying to fight for their league survival.

As the end of the third quarter approached Marr finally managed to get their break through and gain the lead as Ollie Rossi bludgeoned his way to the try line and score near to the corner.

Marr continued to press trying to add to the score but Hawks managed to keep the door well and truly closed. As the final play was called Marr were yet again in possession close to Hawk’s line but sensibly captain Conor Bickerstaff elected to kick the ball into touch and bring the match to an end. Hawks were left ruing their missed opportunities to have gained a stronger foothold during the first half and potentially missed scoring chances when they didn’t elect to take shots at goal from penalties. Marr were left to reflect on a job done with four important points added to their tally.

As the season heads for its finale, results from elsewhere left Selkirk securing the final top four spot for the end of season play-offs. With Marr and Hawick having three matches still to play, they and Currie are still neck and neck for getting the all-important home advantage in the play-offs. This will be the reward that the sides placed first and second in the league get at the end of the scheduled fixtures.

With three matches remaining Marr hold a slender two point advantage over Currie in second spot and a nine point cushion over Hawick. It’s all to play for and next up for Marr is the long haul to Rubislaw to play a resurgent Aberdeen Grammar.

Marr Rugby man of the match: Will Farquhar (sponsored by Alex Graham)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Greg Montgomery and Ollie Rossi
Conversion: Gregor Paxton