A frustrating weekend at senior level started with Marr’s 2nd and 3rd XV’s left without matches after their respective opponents, Kilmarnock 2s and Cambuslang 2s called off.

This meant the only senior action on offer was at Inverleith where Marr’s 1st XV travelled to meet Stewart’s Melville. In this third match of the NL1 campaign Marr faced another tough encounter against a side that was last season’s league runners up and which holds a very impressive home league record with only two defeats in two years.

Marr’s final preparations took a knock after stand in scrum half Gregor Ness was a late withdrawal after failing an injury/fitness test (hamstring). This meant that 18 year old Ali Hazel was promoted from the bench to make his competitive 1st XV debut and Tommy Gaunt, who had travelled with the squad as injury cover, was drafted in as a replacement.

Stewart’s Melville started strongly and on five minutes had scored first with a converted try. Winning a penalty they kicked for the corner to gain a close range attacking lineout. Marr defended well the initial close range attacking surges but good re-cycling allowed Stewart’s Melville to re-direct their attack into midfield and exploit an overlap.

Marr quickly responded with good play; power and possession, which was rewarded on 10 minutes with a kickable penalty converted by Rory McGee. Marr’s pressure play continued during the remainder of the first quarter and two hard earned penalties saw kick attempts go wide.

At the start of the second quarter Stewart’s Melville took the initiative and put Marr’s defence through a series of tests. On 25 minutes they had a perfect attacking position after winning a scrum 5m out. However as Adam Howie, their number 8 went to pick up Fraser Grant (sponsored by Fastnet Ltd) pounced and delivered a crunching tackle to knock him back and disrupt the attacking move.
Stewart’s Melville’s efforts were rewarded on the half hour with another three points from a penalty.

Marr responded quickly with their opening try. From the restart kick they managed to bundle the Stewart’s Melville receiver into touch. Winning the lineout they took play forward and gained a penalty that was kicked into touch in the corner. From the close range attacking lineout Marr’s pack kept possession and showed good strength and discipline to force their way to the line and Paul Burke spotted a gap to dive in and touch down the ball for a converted try and level the score.

This spurred Stewart’s Melville back into the ascendency and in the remaining ten minutes of the first half they probed and pressed Marr’s defence across the field. Marr’s play at the breakdown was good and frequently they won the ball but seemed unable to cleanly clear their lines to relieve the pressure. The pressure finally paid off with Stewart’s Melville closing the first half with a converted penalty.

During the first ten minutes of the second half Marr continued to live dangerously as they failed to effectively deliver first up tackles and provided Stewart’s Melville with a number of good attacking opportunities. Marr’s cause was further hampered when influential Paul Burke sustained a head cut and had to retire for treatment. Callum Craig came on as replacement. Despite the pressure Marr’s support play and cover tackling meant that defensive gaps were quickly closed. Attacking opportunities for Marr were few and frustrated at times by ankle high passing that slowed the pace of any move. Marr kept plugging away and on the hour mark were rewarded with another converted penalty to level the score.
Two minutes later Marr won turnover ball at a breakdown in midfield and finally delivered quick ball out wide that unleashed Scott Bickerstaff who took on and beat his opposite number and a desperate final cover tackle to score a try. Rory McGee’s conversion gave Marr a seven point advantage but this was short lived as the home side immediately countered with a converted try as response and again level the score level.

Marr lifted their tempo and some good runs from Stuart Howie and Andrew Gault brought play deep into Stewart’s Melville territory but Marr were unable to capitalise on either possession or field position

In the final quarter as Marr pressed forward they left the door open for counter-attacks and frequently had to scamper back to cover. Only some exceptional tackling prevented a number of scores. Marr had a few opportunities but uncharacteristic slips saw possession cheaply lost. Tommy Gaunt came on to replace Ali Hazel, who on his debut had given a very good account of himself.
Stewart’s Melville took the opportunities presented and scored two further converted tries to close the match as comfortable winners.

Marr were left to rue some costly slips and a growing injury list. With three matches played against teams who last year ended in the top part of National League 1 Marr now face the prospect of meeting Aberdeen Grammar who this season join NL1 after relegation from the Premiership league so another stiff test is on the cards.

Marr man of the match
Scott Bickerstaff (sponsored by McKays Bar)

Marr scorers
Tries: Paul Burke (1) and Scott Bickerstaff (1)
Conversions: Rory McGee (2)
Penalties: Rory McGee (2)

Marr Rugby - next fixtures (Saturday 27 September, kick-offs 3pm)
1st XV – home V Aberdeen Grammar (league)
2nd XV – away V West of Scotland (league)
3rd XV – away V Helensburgh 2s (league)