Marr Rugby round-up (19.10.19): Mixed day for Marr Rugby - Fortress Fullarton dented but remains intact as 1s stay top after scare from Accies; 2s blitz and granny GHK whilst rain stops play for the 3s.

Marr Rugby senior results (19.10.19)
Tennent’s Premiership: Marr Rugby 20 – Edinburgh Academical FC 20
Tennent’s West Reserve League 1: Marr Rugby 84 – GHK RFC 0
Tennent’s West Reserve League 3: East Kilbride/Cambuslang 2s v Marr Rugby cancelled – waterlogged pitch

[b]Match sponsor DM Homeshield

See 1st XV match photos here and better ones courtesy of Ken Ferguson here, Jon Pearce here and Susan Provan here.

Match reports to follow

Marr Rugby round-up summary: After a good first half where they soaked up lots of pressure from Accies and capitalised on the visitor’s indiscipline to open up a two try lead, things at half-time looked bright for Marr. However, the second half didn’t go to plan for the home side as Accies dug deep to claw their way back and seriously threaten Marr’s Fortress Fullarton almost two year record and leave the crowd on tenterhooks in the final minutes. The effort of both sides probably meant that a draw was a fair result but for Marr is was seen as points lost while Accies no doubt felt they had squandered a golden opportunity to gain a much needed away win.

The first quarter was evenly matched as the defences held firm. Towards the end Accies gain the first advantage as Ewan Hamilton Bulger was sent to the naughty step for ten minutes after his tackle technique was adjudged to be needing a bit of refinement. Accies slotted the resulting penalty. Playing with the extra man is supposed to be an advantage however Marr showed that this isn’t always the case as they harried Accies and eventually the pressure place was rewarded with two tries and a penalty conversion. This gave Marr a 17-3 halftime lead.

As the ref, Fraser Brown, whistled the start of the second half, and watching their side playing towards the Courtyard with the sun in their backs, the Marr supporters got set for a good afternoon. They were to be disappointed as it was Accies who raised their game and prevented Marr from gaining any real momentum in attack, while they started to pose real questions to Marr’s defence. Marr tried to get going and added a penalty conversion but suddenly it was all Accies as they applied real pressure. Scoring three tries they drew level and in the final minutes nails were bitten to their quick by supporters on both sides as Accies tried to secure a winning margin and Marr held on and tried to find a counter. In the final plays Marr had a golden opportunity of claiming match winning points as a rare front foot attack took play deep into Accies territory. Winning a close range scrum Marr’s pack gave an almighty shunt as they pushed the visitors over the try line they lost possession allowing Accies to clear into touch and end the match with both sides feeling that they had missed a golden opportunity.

For Marr it was a wakeup call. For Accies it was a vital two points and they know that in the return leg in February they will have to be at their best to prevent Marr’s revenge for spoiling their day.

Marr Rugby’s 1st XV move forward, with next up a derby match against Ayr for a place on the quarter finals of the Scottish Cup. Ayr are the current holders so they will be desperate to ensure that they secure a result that highlights their sense that they are the top club side in South Ayrshire and the West of Scotland. Marr know they need to be on their A game to beat some of the bookies and the views of the home support.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match: Conor Bickerstaff (sponsored by CCL Logistics)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Benedict Grant and Gregor Ness
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (2)
Penalty: Colin Sturgeon (2)

Meanwhile Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV were relentless and merciless in their demolition of GHK. The blitzkrieg got underway as soon as the starting whistle sounded. Marr’s forwards and backs played as one and by the end of the first quarter had rattled in five tries. Facing an avalanche, in fairness GHK managed to put up some resistance and temper the purple and gold storm for the rest of the first half and into the start of the second period.

Marr continued to pressure and probe and eventually they were rewarded with another barrow load of tries to end the day comprehensive victors.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV scorer and MOM info to follow.

Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV now goes into a mid-season break and they return to action on 16/11/9 at home against high flying Hamilton.

Marr Rugby’s 3rd XV were left to twiddle their thumbs as heavy rain in the Glasgow area left the home pitches unplayable. They now have to work harder in training to prepare for the next match, a local derby against Cumnock’s 2nd XV.

Marr Rugby next fixtures – Saturday 26.10.19
1s – Away v Ayr RFC (Cup)
3s – Home v Cumnock 2s