Match sponsor Investec

Whilst some may have their attention drawn towards other matches…perhaps even one at Cardiff… the big match of the day is at Fullarton.

It is second time lucky for Round 16 of the BT Premiership which sees Melrose RFC make their first appearance at Marr. The pitch at Fullarton has recovered well from the effects of the torrential rain and it’s all systems go for Saturday.

Melrose arrive as league leaders enjoying a healthy points advantage over their rivals. Earlier in the season, in the reverse fixture, they were comfortable winners so Marr have their work cut out. We do have a slight advantage however due to Melrose having to make the extremely long 2 and a half hour bus journey to Troon!

From a Marr perspective injuries and other unavailability cause several changes from the squad who performed so well in the match against Ayr. In the pack Greg Jackson and Fraser Watt start at prop and they are joined by Ollie Rossi & the returning Stephen Adair, covering hooker. Mackenzie Pearce returns to start in the back row. The replacements include Chris Nisbet, who makes a timely return after extended absence due to work commitments. In the backs and after a great performance last week, Grant Baird retains the scrum-half slot & Toby Buchanan also gets the nod to start on the left wing.

This Saturday Marr’s players know they have to be patient, precise, reduce their error count, have a stable set-piece, be tight in defence and convert pressure into points. They can’t afford to let Melrose cut loose so we can expect a tight match.

All supporters are encouraged to get to Fullarton and produce the welcoming atmosphere we always have. The Scotland game will be shown in the clubhouse (2:15pm KO) so get up early, grab a drink and then head out to watch the boys in this crunch league game. Every time you need another pint you can grab 90 seconds of the Scotland game in the clubhouse while you wait to be served.... Win win!

Marr Rugby 1st XV selection
1. Greg Jackson
2. Ollie Rossi
3. Fraser Watt
4. Ewan Bulger
5. Ross Miller
6. Mackenzie Pearce
7. Angus Johnston ©
8. Ben Johnston
9. Grant Baird
10. Craig Kolarik
11. Toby Buchanan
12. Conor Bickerstaff
13. Richard Dalgleish
14. Scott Bickerstaff
15. Dougie Steele

Replacements/Substitutes
16. Stephen Adair
17. Chris Nisbet
18. Kyle Hatherell
19. Fraser Grant
20. Tom Steven

Marr Rugby 3rd XV preview: Marr Rugby’s 3rd XV travel up the coast to meet Greenock RFC 2s with an early kick-off at Battery Park (12.30) to enable the players and supporters to play the fixture and then enjoy supporting Scotland.
This fixture has already had to be re-scheduled on two occasions due to pitch conditions so both teams hope it’ll be third time lucky.
Marr and Greenock are sitting respectively fourth and fifth in the league and with only four points separating them it looks like a fairly evenly matched contest. Home advantage may give Greenock a slight edge but Marr go in to the match off the back of an impressive performance in tricky conditions against Hillhead Jordanhill. Marr field a strong squad with a good mixture of experience, vigour and youthful place.
Marr Rugby 3rd XV selection
1. Sean Duff
2. Paul Bray
3. Mark Allison
4. Jack Strang
5. Darren Morgan
6. Adam McPherson
7. Danny Clark
8. Jason Munchen Doolan
9. Andrew Dunlop
10. Jack Scott
11. Lochlann Mcgregor
12. Fraser McPherson
13. Ali Walker
14. Gareth Abbot
15. Thomas Watkins

Replacements/substitutes
16. John Calder
17. Robert Andrew
18. Shaun Fallows
19. Andrew Mathieson

Marr Rugby 3rd XV preview: Marr Rugby’s 3rd XV travel up the coast to meet Greenock RFC 2s with an early kick-off at Battery Park (12.30) to enable the players and supporters to play the fixture and then enjoy supporting Scotland.

This fixture has already had to be re-scheduled on two occasions due to pitch conditions so both teams hope it’ll be third time lucky.

Marr and Greenock are sitting respectively fourth and fifth in the league and with only four points separating them it looks like a fairly evenly matched contest. Home advantage may give Greenock a slight edge but Marr go in to the match off the back of an impressive performance in tricky conditions against Hillhead Jordanhill. Marr field a strong squad with a good mixture of experience, vigour and youthful place.

Marr Rugby 3rd XV selection
1. Sean Duff
2. Paul Bray
3. Mark Allison
4. Jack Strang
5. Darren Morgan
6. Adam McPherson
7. Danny Clark
8. Jason Munchen Doolan
9. Andrew Dunlop
10. Jack Scott
11. Lochlann Mcgregor
12. Fraser McPherson
13. Ali Walker
14. Gareth Abbot
15. Thomas Watkins

Replacements/substitutes
16. John Calder
17. Robert Andrew
18. Shaun Fallows
19. Andrew Mathieson