Despite a brave effort Marr Rugby’s cup journey for 2015/16 ended as premiership side and pre-match favourites Glasgow Hawks proved to be too powerful for the home side.

In the opening exchanges Hawks gave early notice of their ability to play at pace and with precision and quickly turn defence into attack. In the first scrums Hawks pack had the edge. After only ten minutes William Farquahar was introduced to the front row and made an immediate impact in the scrum as Marr were awarded a penalty that Colin Surgeon converted to open the scoring.

Hawks quickly replied with two well worked converted tries after they exploited some defensive gaps. As Marr tried to force their way back into the match they encountered a formidable and pacey line defence that frustrated any decent phases of possession and efforts to gain territory. At the breakdown Hawks were repeatedly penalised and this further disrupted Marr’s efforts to get any decent continuity of play. Just before the half hour mark Marr’s cause took a blow as William Farquhar was forced to retire through injury. He was replaced by Fraser Ferguson (sponsored by Waddell & Macintosh) but the changes limited Marr’s opportunities to further rotate their front row. Marr’s efforts secured a second penalty within kickable range and Colin Sturgeon doubled his tally for the day to reduce the gap to eight points.

This only lasted as short period as Hawks closed their first half account with two further tries to open a twenty point advantage. As the first half came to a close Marr finally managed to gain field position close to Hawks line after another penalty award provided the chance to kick to the corner an opt for a close range attacking lineout. From the lineout Marr’s pack hammered home a series of pick and drives and eventually Mackenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters Garage) bludgeoned his way through to touch down for a try that was converted end the half 13 – 26.

In the first ten minutes of the second half Hawks stretched their lead with two further tries. The first was scored by Hawks captain and Scottish Club Internationalist Brendan McGroarty after another good bout of handling at pace by the visitors impressive back line.

During the final half hour Marr’s attempts to fight back were frustrated by a mixture of stubborn defence and uncharacteristic errors in open play that saw possession being lost. Despite this the home side kept plugging away and their efforts were rewarded with a second try gained through forwards domination, this one scored by Andy Kelly.

Hawks were worthy winners and progress to the semi-finals. Meanwhile Marr’s squad get little chance to rest and recover from a bruising day as they return to league business and an important tie against third placed Jed-Forest.

Marr Rugby man of the match: Ben Johnston (sponsored by Jimmy Armour)

Marr Rugby scorers
Tries: Mackenzie Pearce (1) and Andy Kelly (1)
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (1)
Penalties: Colin Sturgeon (2)

Marr Rugby next fixtures (Saturday 12 March)
1s – home v Jed-Forest (league)
2s – home v Cartha Queens Park (league)
3s – away v Annan 2s (league)