BT Premiership

HAWICK 19

MARR RUGBY 23

Pictures by Ken Ferguson

MARR's squad was boosted by the inclusion for the first time this season of a pro-draft player; with Greg Peterson (Glasgow Warriors) bring his experience, height and bulk to augment the pack and partner Ewan Bulger in the boiler house.

Marr had also hoped to have James Malcom available but he was withdrawn on Saturday morning. As a result Stephen Adair started at hooker and Ollie Rossi was called into the squad to join the bench. With Ross Miller unavailable Kyle Hatherall was switched to number eight.

Hawick’s powerful pack was bolstered by the presence of Edinburgh prop Kevin Bryce and their pacey back line strengthened by inclusion of another Edinburgh pro player – the experienced Tom Brown.

Marr got off to a flying start and took Hawick by surprise with the pace and accuracy of their attacking plays. In the first 10 minutes the home side conceded a number of penalties with two in kickable distance that Colin Sturgeon converted. In the set piece scrum Hawick put Marr under pressure and in open play. From a solid platform Hawick’s back line was frequently brought into play and to Marr’s relief some threatening breaks came to nothing.

On the quarter hour Marr’s Craig Kolarik was yellow-carded for a challenge at a breakdown near to the try line. Marr survived the ensuing onslaught and seven minutes later got some respite as the impressive Guy Graham was given a 10-minute rest.

Conor Bickerstaff popped up all over the back line and changing the point of attack. Just into the second quarter he drew in two defenders and created an opening for winger Richard Dalgleish, who pinned back his ears and rocketed to the line from 35 metres and just evaded the scramble defence to touch down for a converted try.

On the half hour Colin Sturgeon was given a 10 minute breather after a challenge to stop Tom Brown.

Marr tjem embarked on adventurous attacking play. Greg Peterson, Kyle Hatherall, Stephen Adair and Greg Jackson made repeated breenging bursts, gaining huge yardage as they put Hawick under the hammer. The pressure finally was rewarded as Jackson cross the line to score a try and Dougie Steele converted.

With half-time approaching Marr suffered a blow as Greg Peterson was offered a 10-minute rest after he slapped down a Hawick pass. Hawick opted to kick for the corner from the penalty advantage and from the attacking lineout they bludgeoned their way towards the try line.

The first 15 minutes of the second half was evenly balanced. Then Hawick’s transformation began after they introduced scrum half Greg Cotherhill.

A Lewis Anderson try started the claw back and within ten minutes they had added two further and with the single conversion brought the difference to a single point. For those on the touchline the final 10 minutes was a nail-biter as Marr managed to stall and stem the Green Machine.

Some determined work at the breakdowns enabled Marr to win turnover ball and with five minutes remaining they opted to run the clock down

As full-time was indicated Hawick conceded a penalty. This brought a cheer of relief to the Marr support and a sigh of resignation from the home side. Sturgeon added another three points to the board.

BT Reserve National League Two

MARR RUGBY 2s 72

STEWART's MELVILLE 8

STEWART'S Melville were unfortunate to arrive at Troon to play Marr Rugby’s 2nd XV at a time of the season when the home side was intent on laying down a marker to the rest of the league and the senior coaches. From the first whistle Marr clicked into action as a try machine with the visitors getting little time to catch breath. A baker’s dozen tries followed. Marr’s scores were well spread across the forwards and backs. Andrew Mill helped steer and guide attacks.

Marr sit at the top of the league on equal points with Hawick.

BT Reserve West Two

MARR RUGBY 3s 18

ALLAN GLEN'S 44

The Third XV knew they were in for a tough time as Allan Glen’s 2nd XV arrived at Fullarton as clear league leaders.

Marr started well but were unable to keep the visitors at bay. It became a damage limitation exercise and to their credit they restricted Glen’s while scoring three tries, each courtesy of Chris Galloway. It was no disgrace for Marr’s squad, in their first season in this league, against a team on course for the league title.