1st XV preview: The 1s face the first of back to back visits to the Borders knowing a real step up of focus and concentration is required as we reach the critical final four matches of the season. Our record in the heartland of Scottish Rugby hasn’t been great. On our last visit to Philiphaugh the result was a 31 – 10 home win. Earlier this season we secured a home win at Fullarton but it’s notable that after we opened up a decent lead, in the final quarter Selkirk started to claw their way back into the match and were very unlucky not to gain any points for their efforts.

They like to play an open an expansive match and have one of the strongest and most potent back lines in the league. Interestingly in November just before the registration cut-off they manage to strengthen their squad bringing in a number of players, including winger Tythan Adams whose turn of speed is lightning fast. Head coach Graham Marshall is sure to have his squad well drilled and prepared to spring some surprises. Other Selkirk players to watch out for include free scoring fullback Darren Clapperton and centre Ross Nixon, while in the pack Andrew Renwick is likely to be a real handful if he gets the opportunity to rampage in open play.

Marr’s squad is almost at full strength. After recovery from injury and several good performances for the 2s during his rehabilitation Fraser Grant returns to his berth in the second row. So far this season the players have delivered some great performances to secure their league position. The visit to Phillphaugh is the latest in a series of significant tests and with the potent threat that Selkirk will offer the players will need to be at the top of their game in attack and defence.

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. Andrew Acton
2. Stephen Adair
3. William Farquhar
4. Fraser Grant
5. Daniel Law
6. Mackenzie Pearce
8. Ben Johnston
7. Angus Johnston (c)
Replacements/Substitutes
16. Chris Nisbet
17. Ollie Rossi
18. Kyle Vallance
19. Gregor Ness
20. Andrew Mill

Marr Rugby 2nd XV preview: The 2s exceptional run continues and after several away trips in a row, the latest chapter sees a much welcome home fixture.

Greenock’s 2s aren’t having their best season and with fixture disruption come in to this match not having played since January. However, we know from previous encounters that Greenock always present a real challenge and see Marr’s scalp as one they delight in taking. This means that Marr’s squad need to be doubly focused and concentrated on team performance for the full eighty minutes

After training on Thursday the 2s squad was still to be finalised

Marr Rugby 2nd XV team selection – to follow