On another bleak, wet, windy and dim day Marr Rugby’s 1st and 2nd XV’s delivered just the tonic to warm the Marr Rugby supporters who turned out in decent numbers at Malleny Park and Fullarton.

In the top of the table clash there was a sense of déjà vu, but in this instance it was Marr who tackled like demons while under severe pressure from the home side and kept their line intact, restricting Currie to a single penalty score while striking twice with converted tries.

Marr’s performance certainly helped make last week’s disappointment against GHA a bit easier a memory to pack away. Marr’s players though showed they had taken on board lessons from last week’s match as defensive play significantly improved and attacking opportunities, although rare, weren’t squandered.

Just before the 10 minute mark Currie opened the scoring with a penalty kick after a significant period of possession and territory inside Marr’s side of the pitch. From the restart Marr finally managed to get a foothold into Currie territory and some sublime interplay between forwards and backs set up a scoring move that involved quick hands, precision passes and Richard Dalgleish was unleashed down the left wing to race in and score from 30 metres. Colin Sturgeon added the extra points. Currie responded by once again camping in Marr territory and hammering home repeated attacks only to be repelled by determined defensive work.

As half time approached Marr enjoyed another rare sortie into Currie territory and it was the home side that buckled under pressure, firstly losing their captain Fergus Scott to a yellow card and from the subsequent penalty Marr’s pack bulldozed through from close range, with Ollie Rossi in possession as the pile of bodies collapsed over the try line. Referee Keith Allen was perfectly positioned to award the try

The pattern of play in the second half repeated the opening forty minutes. Currie dominated possession and territory, while Marr’s defence held strong and they had to survive on scraps for attacking opportunities.

Marr remained focused and steadfast and were able to close out the match and gain the vital win.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match – Fraser Grant (sponsored by Project Panel Solutions)

Marr Rugby 1st XV scorers
Tries: Richard Dalgleish and Ollie Rossi
Conversions: Colin Sturgeon (2)

Meanwhile, at Fullarton, Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV bounced back from the defeat the previous week inflicted by lead leaders, and defeat earlier in the season in the reverse fixture at Bridgehaugh as they delivered a thumping win over Stirling.

Match details and scorers to follow.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV man of the match – Josh Harvey (sponsored by Colin Adam)
Marr Rugby 2nd XV scorers to follow

Marr Rugby 3rd XV’s away match against Dalziel was cancelled due to waterlogged pitches. It will be rescheduled.

Looking ahead Marr Rugby’s 1st XV have to delay any Christmas plans as they travel to play Musselburgh in a rescheduled fixture. Then follows the winter break, with all three sides getting some well-earned rest and recovery before returning to action on 11.1.20.

Marr Rugby next fixtures (21.12.19)
1s – Away v Musselburgh (2pm kick off)

Following fixtures (11.1.20)
1s – Home v Hawick
2s – Home v Cartha
3s – Away v Carrick 2nd XV