Marr Rugby U15 Vs Cartha Queens Park U15

Marr Rugby U15 welcomed Cartha Queens Park U15 to the Marr College playing fields for the first home fixture of the season. Marr last played Cartha in 2016 in a closely contested match, which Marr won by a narrow margin. Marr with the slight advantage going into the match as Cartha QP were beginning their season preparations with their first game of the new season.

Harvey staring the match kicking to the left hand side of the pitch creating a scramble within the Cartha defence, Cartha responded well and through several phases of play made their way into the Marr half. Sean then turned over the ball, a quick pass from Alex set Ben on his way from just outside the Cartha 22 repelling several tackles from the opposition to score right of the posts. Within minutes Cartha took full advantage of a sleepy Marr defence with a quick tap and go to finish in the left hand corner, great vision by the Cartha stand-off.

Marr began to grind through several phases of play with Cartha repelling the forwards, Harvey with a grubber kick opened up the defence and the Marr forwards took full advantage with ensuing chaos, Dylan ripped the ball from his opponent to dive over the try line. Marr quickly scored a third try with a very similar build of play for Cameron to finish right of the posts.

Cartha's physicality was taking its toll on the Marr defence and with some big strike runners, made their way to the Marr 22. the Marr midfield Andrew and Cameron were robust in defence with some excellent tackles against their significantly bigger opponents. Marr under the pump were trying to relieve the concerted pressure of the Cartha forwards and backs combination. A great turnover by James, allowed Harris to clear the ball with a fine kick to halfway. A mix up at the lineout gave Marr the opportunity to start an attack which was quickly snuffed out by the Cartha second row (4), Cartha quickly built another phase of play, and again short of the line a turnover by Angus enabled Harvey to clear the danger with a great kick to half way. Cartha focused working their way back to the Marr 22, where Marr infringed awarding the penalty, a quick tap and go from the scrum half displaying good footwork scoring try before half time and taking full advantage of the sleepy Marr Defence.

Half Time Marr (17) Cartha QP (17)

From the restart a well taken high ball from Cameron set Sean loose for one of many imposing runs Sean would have in the afternoon following the example of Captain Ben Packard. The forwards with renewed impetus blitzed the Cartha line, Brodie, Charlie, James and Struan getting just outside of the Cartha 22 with ball retrieved quickly by Harris and some slick hands by Harvey and Andrew to put Lewis through who finished a committed and well-earned team try, with a good finish to beat his opponent.

Another high ball into the Marr backs from the restart was caught with excellent composure by Dan to break up the line, again Marr forwards working their way up the pitch with real intensity and commitment to play a high tempo game, was equally matched by some ferocious Cartha defence. Aidan now taking on several defender managed to release the ball to Harvey and quick hands set Lewis close to the Cartha 5m line to pass to wing Finn who gratefully accepted the pass to work the last defender to touch down near the posts. Marr now in the ascendancy went on to score another two try’s by Alex powering over, Lewis finishing a fine try with a lung bursting run from half way. The Cartha staff replied with a searing rum from a scrum outside the Marr 22. Man of the Match and Captain Ben scored another great and trademark try similar to a try the week before at Hamilton, bring the match to a close.

Marr wish every Cartha every success as the begin the season and a speedy recovery to both sets of players who sustained injuries during the matches. In addition, the match referee Fergal for officiating the match with a fine performance and Logan and Rory for keeping the boys hydrated and motivated.

Full Time Marr (48) Cartha (24)
Marr Man of the Match Ben Packard (C)
Marr Magic moments (1) Alex Young & Dylan Tuton finishing off two try’s with some great instinctive play, (2) Charlie Pollock having played for the Cartha in the first half and then playing for Marr in the second half with great effort and resolve to deliver a solid performance.