Marr Rugby’s 1st XV secured their first points of this season’s campaign edging out Aberdeen Grammar in an 11 try, at times thrilling and at others nail-biting, match at Fullarton.

This fourth match of the season saw Marr face a strong Grammar side that last season had been relegated from the Premier Division. In aiming to achieve an immediate bounce back up Grammar had appointed a new coaching team led by former Glasgow Warrior player Stuart Cossar and recruited a number of players including their Fijian powerhouse Peceli Nacamavuto.

Marr’s starting line-up some positional changes. Ali Hazel retained the scrum half berth and was partnered at stand-off by Gregor Ness. Aaron Rankin returned to outside centre, Stuart Nimmo moved to the left wing and Rory McGee to fullback. Callum Craig started in the forwards packing down in the second row alongside Kris Kirk.

A nervy start from Marr allowed Aberdeen to take the initiative and quickly get their first points with an unconverted try. The score was worked off a textbook line out and peel move that Marr’s forwards struggled to effectively disrupt. However this score appeared to act as the catalyst that sparked Marr’s pack into action.

For the remainder of the match their set piece play at scrum and lineout was at times exceptional. At a number of scrums they shunted forward and broke through Grammar’s pack and at some critical lineouts Kris Kirk (sponsored by MOR Construction) leapt like a salmon to steal Grammar’s ball and set up great attacking position for Marr. At the breakdown a Marr player was quickly in a great position to make a determined effort to secure their own ball or fight to win a turnover. Marr’s back row of Paul Burke, Scott Nimmo and Kyle Vallance caused chaos with some splendid breaks.

With 12 minutes on the clock Marr levelled the score. Good pressure from the restart had taken play into Grammar’s 22 where they won a defensive lineout. In the first of a series of ‘steals ‘ Kris Kirk won possession and unleashed Scott Nimmo who bulldozed his way towards the try line. He was stopped mid charge but managed to offload to Paul Burke who despite some close attention forced his way through to score and unconverted try.

From the restart Marr again piled on the pressure and some great interplay between forwards and backs set up a promising attack. As the move took play into Aberdeen’s half Marr played it out wide but they failed to spot Nacamavuto waiting patiently to pounce and he showed some serious pace as het sprang in to intercept a Marr pass and rocket up 55 metres to score under the posts for a converted try.

As Marr tried to recover from the setback they made their task even more difficult when some poor ball protection and defending allowed Grammar to win possession and their fullback Sean Murray carved a way through midfield and set up a simple score for scrum half Morgan Ward.

Marr quickly responded with their second try when Kris Kirk showed good pace down the wing to touch down in the corner.

The seesaw of scoring continued with Grammar getting their fourth try on 25 minutes to give them a fourteen point advantage. Marr lifted their play and dominated the remaining quarter hour of the first half. They were rewarded with a penalty score and two tries to take the lead and end the first half up 25-24.

Both tries were scored by Scott Bickerstaff who got on the end of some great attacking moves. For the first the attack started from a lineout. Quick ball was released to Gregor Ness who unleashed his backs and Grammar’s defence couldn’t contain the power and pace. The second score will be a candidate for the Try of the Month. From a solid scrum Scott Nimmo picked up and showed a fair turn of power and pace to break through into space and on into Grammar’s 22m area. As the defensive cover shifted to stop him he sent a perfect pass to Scott Bickerstaff who completed the move with a try in the corner.

The second half became a bit of a towsy affair. Marr’s forwards continued to apply further pressure and helped the side gain good field position and attacking opportunities. Only some desperate defence stemmed the purple and gold tide. Grammar started to rack up the penalty count and just after the hour had Colin Neilson yellow carded for infringements at the breakdown. Rory McGee added one penalty for Marr to quickly see the advantage pulled back after Grammar also took three points from a penalty.

Marr’s pack continued their dominance at the scrum and some close range play brought repeated penalties against Grammar. Rory McGee added another three points. Marr’s pack persevered and continued to opt for attacking scrums whenever the opportunity presented. Following a series of close range scrums where they threatened the Grammar line the referee eventually awarded a penalty try. Shortly after this Grammar’s frustration and desperation boiled over when lock Ed Nimmons was red carded for a dangerous tackle.

Marr kept up the pressure and won an attacking lineout close to Grammar’s try line. Winning the ball they pressed over the line but were judged to have been held up. From the attacking scrum that followed they broke Grammar’s pack and Paul Burke burst through to score. Another desperate challenge to try to prevent the score saw Grammar reduce to thirteen men for the final five minutes when their captain Grieg Ryan was yellow carded.

Marr failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage. They continued to enjoy good possession and opportunities but kept playing it tight when there was space out wide. It was Grammar that had the final say when they broke out of defence and prop Colin Neilson made amends for his earlier indiscretion with a try.

All in all this was a match that wasn’t for the faint hearted. Both sides were desperate for their first win and at the end of the day Marr had the edge, playing with growing determination and conviction and finally managing to make best use of some of the opportunities presented and score.

The vital five points helps get them off and running in what will be an extremely tough and challenging season. Next up they travel to face on fire GHA who so far have taken the league by storm with four wins from their first four matches. GHA enjoy the services of a host for former premier level and International level players so Marr face another significant test. Coach Craig Redpath and his squad know that Saturday’s victory is a small but important step in what will be an arduous campaign. Much work is needed to tighten the defensive play and ensure that almost every attacking opportunity is executed well enough to gain some points.

Marr man of the match: Scott Nimmo (sponsored by Jim McGuffie)

Marr scorers
Tries: Paul Burke (2), Kris Kirk (1), Scott Bickerstaff (2) and penalty try (1)
Conversions: Rory McGee (2)
Penalties: Rory McGee (3)