For those who haven’t been paying attention…match 22 of the 1st XV's league season sees Marr Rugby head to Braidholm with a four point advantage over Edinburgh Accies, who have home advantage against 10th placed Aberdeen Grammar.

Meanwhile at Fullarton the 2s as Champions Elect await the arrival of Dumfries as they complete their league programme.

Marr Rugby 1st XV preview: Marr’s test is the current local derby against GHA who have an impressive home record; winning every match since September. Looking at the results, a pattern emerges of GHA winning many by a narrow margin. We know from painful experience that they have a talented side who never give up and always pose an attacking threat. A strong pack provides a good attacking platform for one of the fastest sets of backs in the league and when Peter Jericevich is given any space defensive lines dissolve.

This season Marr's pack and backs have worked effectively in attack and defence and with both sides favouring open and expansive rugby those on the touchline are in for a treat.

Our two previous visits to Braidholm have produced much excitement for spectators from matches played at 100 miles an hour by both sides. Two years ago GHA got off to a flying start and opened up a 20 point lead before Marr woke up and clawed their way back into the match. As it reached the final play Marr had edged into a four point lead but in a final five minutes of mayhem and flurry of yellow cards Marr ended the match with thirteen players and GHA scored a try in the corner to win 35-34. Last season in another tight match Marr won the day 14-20.

Marr’s squad heads into the match knowing that they have a great opportunity to make some club history. They are in this position after a season where they have consistently performed well and played with a growing maturity evident. Belief, focus, determination, hard work and flair has produced some exceptional results and head coach Craig Redpath has the squad set up to make the final push and close the season.

Marr’s selection sees a significant change as captain Angus Johnston has failed to recover from injury sustained in the previous week’s match against Musselburgh. This has led to a re-jig of the second and back row. Kris Kirk returns from injury to start at second row while Dan Law moves to the blindside flank and Mackenzie Pearce switches to openside

Marr Rugby’s Purple and Gold Army is being mobilised to G46 6EB so if you haven’t yet sorted out your plans for Saturday please answer the call and if you have plans that don’t involve being on the touchline to support Marr then change them and get to Braidholm.

Marr Rugby 1st XV team selection
15. Craig Kolarik
14. Scott Bickerstaff
13. Gregor Paxton
12. Conor Bickerstaff
11. Tom Steven
10. Colin Sturgeon
9. Grant Baird
1. Chris Nisbet
2. Stephen Adair
3. William Farquhar
4. Fraser Grant
5. Kris Kirk
6. Daniel Law
8. Ben Johnston
7. Mackenzie Pearce

Replacements/Substitutes
16. Andy Kelly
17. Ollie Rossi
18. Kyle Vallance
19. Gregor Ness
20. Stuart Howie

Mar Rugby 2nd XV preview: There's been some uncertainty about this fixture going ahead as Dumfries have struggled to fulfil recent fixtures. However, they confirmed late last night that they'd be sending a squad so it's 'game on'.

Whilst there will be a major focus on events at Braidholm, Marr Rugby's 2s have the opportunity of completing a perfect home record for the season and adding to their league points tally.

Head coach Keith Dunsnuir has opted to name a 22 player squad and will finalise the starting line-up early tomorrow.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV squad:

Backs
T Watkins
R Miller
C Galloway
A Walker
R McIntyre
R Hardie
R McInnes
J Scott

Forwards
D Clark
C Steele
K Wood
R Hill
M Quinn
C Baird
M Allison
R McNicol
N Wallace
D McCulloch
F Ferguson
J Evans
M Skeoch