Saturday brings ‘big’ matches for Marr Rugby’s top two senior teams. Destination Fullarton is the place to be for what may well be the deciding match of the 1st XV’s run in the BT Premiership, while the 2nd XV are on the road to Braidholm for a second plays third place tie as they go toe to toe with GHA.

On Saturday we expect to see Grant ‘Falcon’ Baird become the latest in the growing number of Marr 1st XV Centurions. Grant got his first cap in 2013 whilst still at Marr College when he played in the RBS Shield semi-final away against Aberdeenshire. Grant had been due to play for the College’s 1st XV but injury to Andrew Bate at training on the Thursday evening meant that Grant was called in to play. From then his senior rugby career has marched on and blossomed. He went on to keep the scrum-half berth, playing in the Shield Final at Murrayfield and securing a winners medal. The following week he was back at Murrayfield, this time playing for Marr College and took home a second winners medal.

Grant may be slight of build but he is a terrier who is fearless. Many bigger players have made the mistake of seeing him as the ‘little guy’ to bulldoze through and found themselves face down on the mud with Grant having knocked them over. At the start of this season his university studies saw him head to Iceland and he returned in December. He quickly got back into training and made his BT Premiership debut against Ayr at Millbrae where he quickly showed that he had what it took to play at the top level.
All at Marr Rugby wish him well and look forward to seeing this milestone.

Marr Rugby 1st XV preview: In their final league match of the season the 1st XV welcome Stirling County to Fullarton knowing that a bonus point win is needed to maintain the slender hope of Premier league survival. Meanwhile Stirling will be aiming to end on a high while also continuing their preparation for the BT cup semi-final.

It’s a big ask for Marr and every player will need to be at or near their best and deliver a similar or better performance than the last outing against Currie. Total concentration for the full eighty minutes is essential. Earlier in the season when they visited Bridgehaugh Marr got off to a good start but slipped off the pace as Stirling eventually ran out winners 40-29
a close tight match that the visitors won 12 – 24.

Marr's squad benefits from the inclusion of four Glasgow Warriors. In the starting line-up we welcome back Greg Peterson, Samuela Vunisa and making his debut at Fullarton Lelia "Flash" Masaga – an All Black at Marr! Making up the quartet is Warriors trialist hooker Jean-Charles Fidinde, who has played for France at U20 level, and who will make his debut from the bench.

Greg and Samu have quickly become favourites of the Marr support. They are down to earth, friendly guys who are committed professionals. Both, along with the other Warriors who have help this season have fitted in well and who are happy to play rugby with Marr.

Greg was on the touchline at Currie and after the match indicated he was desperate to play in this final match so we are delighted to see him one again in purple and gold. With Ewan Bulger still continuing his recovery from injury the timing of Greg’s availability is perfect to help cover. He’ll partner Ross Miller with Kyle Hatherell waiting on the bench to come on along with Mackenzie Pearce as impact replacements.

In the backs the unavailability of Craig Kolarik who is international duty means that Dougie Steele comes in to cover at fullback. The availability of Marr Rugby’s All Black, Lelia Masaga means that Scott Bickerstaff is switched to the left wing from their our wingers – if they can get quality ball in the right place and at the right time will offer a real attacking threat. Those at the Currie match saw this and all going well the crowd on the touchline are in for a treat from both sides. Craig Redpath will finalise selection for replacements on Saturday morning.

Chris "Nizzy" Nisbet misses out on his swansong at Fullarton due to work commitments. Nizzy thinks he will hang up the boots and walk away from it all, but he hasn't realized props don't get it so easy. Ask Andy Kelly... he's retired 5 times! (It's a clever way to miss preseason...) Huge thanks to Nizzy for all his efforts over the last decade. A 'see you soon' rather than a goodbye.

Marr know well the threat posed by Stirling. They have a well-balanced pack, bolstered by the inclusion of Glasgow Warrior Lewis Wynne, that is able to provide a good attacking platform for some pacy and dangerous backs – including the elusive Kerr Gossman who presented some real problems for Marr in the reverse fixture.
Marr will need to be on top form as they try to secure a bonus point win while hoping that results elsewhere help maintain the narrow chance of league survival.

Marr Rugby 1st XV selection (Appearances to date)
1. Greg Jackson (16)
2. Ollie Rossi (85)
3. Fraser Watt (9)
4. Greg Peterson (5)
5. Ross Miller (14)
6. Samuela Vunisa (4)
7. Angus Johnston © (91)
8. Ben Johnston (80)
9. Grant Baird (99)
10. Rory McGee (182)
11. Scott Bickerstaff (188)
12. Conor Bickerstaff (148)
13. Richard Dalgleish (17)
14. Lelia Masaga (1)
15. Dougie Steele (58)

Replacements/Substitutes
16. Jean-Charles Fidinde (0)
17. Neil Wallace (12)
18. Kyle Hatherell (11)
19. Mackenzie Pearce (59)
20. Tom Steven/Toby Buchanan

Marr Rugby 2nd XV preview: The 2s face a potential decider for one of the promotion slots as they play GHA. Marr hold a five point advantage but GHA have a game in hand and with home advantage, the tough battle that is always the case at Braidholm will be even tougher and spicier.

In the opening fixture of the season Marr ran out comfortable winners (48-19) but since then GHA have continued to improve and hold an impressive home record they will wish to preserve.

Coaches Keith Dunsmuir and Stephen Galloway have prepared a string squad with a good blend of experience and emerging talent.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV squad:
15. M Beckwith
14. Ry McInnes
13. Jack Scott
12. Andrew Mill
11. Mac McInnes
10. Rudi Marshall
9. Ali Hazel
8. J Evans (c)
7. Danny Clark
6. Kyle Vallance
5. Ewan Bulger
4. Fraser Grant
3. Danny McCulloch
2. Richard McNicol
1. Mark Allison

Replacements/substitutes
16. Callum Steel
17. Callum Craig
18. Rollo Press
19. Finlay Hazel
20. Gregor Paxton