All three Marr Rugby senior teams head into the third round of this season’s fixtures with changes affecting all as they aim to build on last week’s performances and success.

The 1st XVs head to the heartland of Borders rugby where they will face up against the ‘Green Machine’ at Mansfield Park. With Hawick being comfortable winners of the clubs two previous encounters in the BT Cup, Marr know they are starting this match as outsiders.

Whilst Hawick’s start to the season hasn’t been great their support will view Marr as an easy five pointer. Their strong pack, led by man mountain Bruce McNeil and including former Scottish Internationalist Craig Hamilton in the second row and pro player Kevin Bryce, will give Marr’s eight another severe test. Hawick benefit from having a back line laced with talent and pace– that is augmented by the regular addition of pro’s Tom Brown and D’arcy Graham.

After last week’s efforts Marr’s players need to pick themselves up again. Hopefully their rest and recovery after the physical demands of the past two weeks will have a positive effect. The result against Heriot’s was great but is only a starting point towards what we want to do. We now need to show that we can take get some points on the road. At the moment Marr’s squad is strengthened for the first time this season by the inclusion of pro-draft players. Glasgow Warriors stars James Malcolm and Greg Peterson have been made available for selection and we hope that they are not recalled.

This is a great development for Marr as it sees for the first time ever our troops playing alongside professional players. We have already faced teams with pro players and know that benefit they can bring.

Meanwhile at Fullarton the 2s and 3s are in action and face tough ties. The 2s welcome Stewart’s Melville who for many years have finished in one of the top three positions in the league. On the top pitch the 3s go toe to toe with Allan Glen’s 2nd XV. This will be another stern test and give a good benchmark for coach Andy Mathieson’s and his side to let them understand what it takes to compete in this challenging league. With our growing number of senior players, including these continuing on from youth rugby and those returning to the game, we see movement of players across all three senior sides to provide people with the opportunity to play.

Marr Rugby 1st XV preview: After last week’s performance Marr’s 1st XV now want to make sure they apply the learning taken from the match. There’s been a focus on improving stability at the set piece scrum. The aim is to reduce the penalty count while also making sure we capitalise on all chances. With Greg Peterson and James Malcom added to the side there is a shuffle from last week’s starting line-up in the pack. The back line remains unchanged.

Marr Rugby 1st XV team selection
15. Craig Kolarik
14. Scott Bickerstaff
13. Conor Bickerstaff
12. Colin Sturgeon
11. Richard Dalgleish
10. Dougie Steele
9. Kaleem Baretto
1. Greg Jackson
2. James Malcolm
3. William Farquhar
4. Ewan Bulger
5. Greg Peterson
6. Mackenzie Pearce
8. Kyle Hatherell
7. Angus Johnston ©

Replacements/Substitutes
16. Stephen Adair
17. Chris Nisbet
18. Ross Jackson
19. Gregor Ness
20. Toby Buchanan

Marr Rugby 2nd XV preview: After last week’s performance and win against Biggar head coach Keith Dunsmuir has had to make a couple of changes due to unavailability of several players who have been playing in recent matches. Thankfully he is able to call in Ollie Rossi and also has Richie McNicol available for this first league match of the year. Murray Beckwith switches to from wing to fullback and as a result brothers Mac and Ry McInnes start on the wings.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV team selection:
15. Murray Beckwith
14. Ry McInnes
13. Gregor Paxton
12. Andrew Mill
11. Mac McInnes
10. Max Freydell
9. Ali Hazel
8. Kyle Vallance ©
7. Danny Clark
6. Callum Steel
5. Fraser Grant
4. Callum Craig
3. Mark Allison
2. Ollie Rossi
1. Neil Wallace

Replacements/Substitutes
16. Richie McNicol
17. Fraser Ferguson
18. Rudi Marshall
19. Stuart Howie
20. Jack Scott

Marr Rugby 3rd XV preview: Allan Glen’s arrive at Fullarton as table leaders off the back of two thumping wins – the last one 78 - 3 v Annan. Marr’s 3s will be in for a tough contest but are able to call on several players who are eager to get match practice as they compete for a place in the 2s. It is also fantastic to see Rory McGee back in purple and gold colours after his successful trip to Africa with the Bhubesi Pride. The 3s side will be selected from the following list:
• Andrew Daniels
• Sean Duff
• Shaun Fallows
• Fraser McPherson
• Rory MacColl
• Andrew Mathieson
• Euan McGerty
• Frank McGerty
• Andrew Dunlop
• Thomas Watkins
• Chris Myers
• Darren Morgan
• Robert Andrew
• Jonathan Connell
• John Hoggans
• Gareth Abbot
• Paul Bray
• Stephen Beveridge
• Malcolm McGregor
• Adam McPherson
• Ali Walker
• Blair Campbell
• Jack Butchart
• Craig Baird
• Danny McCulloch
• Rory McGee
• Chris Galloway