International fixtures meant only Marr Rugby’s 3rd XV were in action to fulfil a re-arranged match away against a strong Clydebank side, further strengthened by some returning 1st XV players, that had earlier in the season inflicted one of Marr’s two home defeats of this season with a narrow 14 – 17 win.

With an early kick-off Marr travelled missing some seasoned campaigners including player/coach/manager Any Mathieson (sponsored by A1 Skips) so it fell to Ruari McMillian to take charge and stand in to get the side organised and ready to play.

After several weeks of matches cancelled due to other sides’ inability to raise a team it was great that both Clydebank and Marr fielded about 20 players each ready to challenge for the points on offer. Clydebank, with an impressive home record and having earlier in the season been victorious at Fullarton were keen to do the double on Marr.

Strengthened with some 1st XV players returning to action Clydebank started as firm favourites. Marr though go off to a great start as they disrupted early from the kick-off and caused some mayhem in Clydebank’s defence. Winning loose ball a scramble for the corner saw Kris Ferguson cross to score an unconverted try.

For the rest of the first half Marr had to withstand significant pressure from Clydebank. During this period the home side benefited from a number of penalty decisions. On the half hour Marr’s defence was finally breached and Clyde back scored a well-deserved converted try to take a two point advantage into half-time

Clydebank started the second half stronger and quickly secured a try to extend their lead. Marr responded well but found the home defence quite stuffy. In the final half hour Marr’s perseverance finally paid dividends. Over a ten minute period they added two tries to reclaim and extend the lead, Chris Galloway added the first and this was quickly followed by Kris Ferguson showing a great turn of power and pace to score in the corner. In addition Kyle Dunn was showing increasing threat with some powerful runs and finally he added a well-deserved score to close Marr’s try account.

In the final stages Marr continued to absorb some significant pressure from the home side but always posed a threat in attack from turnover ball. The final whistle sounded to give Marr a much deserved away win and avenged the earlier defeat. With maximum points secured Marr Rugby’s 3rd XV now look towards another tough away match against Annan 2s.

Marr scorers
Tries – Kris Ferguson (2), Chris Galloway (1) and Kyle Dunn (1)
Conversions – Ruari McMillan (1)

see match photos at http://www.marrrugby.com/photos/bt-reserve-league-west-2--clydebank-rfc-2s-v-marr-rugby-3s-28215-564900.html