Scottish Cup First Round

WATSONIANS 62

MARR RUGBY 5

RUTHLESS Watsonians showed their top four Premiership credentials as they mercilessly blew Marr away with their fast and precise attacking play.

In the opening 15 minutes they scored twice as they stretched Marr’s defence. The third score came against the run of play as Marr lost possession and gifted a cheap score. As Marr tried to regroup their defensive work rate went into hyper drive as they were pinned back in their own half. After twenty minutes of sustained pressure they finally gave way allowing Watsonians to add a further three tries in rapid succession. In the final play before half-time Marr’s cause suffered further blows as Ollie Rossi and Gregor Paxton were forced to retire through injury.

Marr’s forwards managed to get a better foothold on the match after the break and make life more difficult for Watsonians. This allowed Marr to spend more time in Watsonians half and test their defence. Injuries again added to Marr’s misery as they lost Callum Steel and Ben Johnston. On the hour, there was a bright spot for Marr as they finally managed to find a way to cross Watsonians line. Having enjoyed an extended phase of possession and pressure Marr won a penalty and opted to kick to the corner. From the lineout the pack’s maul rumbled forward and Josh Evans (sponsored by TR Bonnyman & Son) was able to touch down as they crossed the line.

Marr tried to build on this but in desperation they lost possession allowing Watsonians to counter-attack with good effect, adding to their winning margin.

The final whistle ended Marr’s misery. Looking ahead to Saturday’s crucial top to the table clash with Jed-Forest Marr’s coaching and medical team has their work cut out to determine fitness and availability.

Marr Rugby 1st XV man of the match: Richard Dalgleish.

Tennent’s Reserve League West 1

EAST KILBRIDE 43

MARR RUGBY 3s 14

MARR Rugby’s 3rd XV found going too tough in their match against East Kilbride’s 2nd XV.

The home side’s strong pack managed to out-muscle Marr and this helped deny any decent possession. Playing on the back-foot Marr quickly found themselves chasing the game as East Kilbride built a commanding lead. Despite managing two converted tries, Marr’s work rate wasn’t enough to help bring enough scores to reflect the effort that was put in.

Marr Rugby next fixtures, December 1

1s - home v Jed-Forest

2s - away v Hawick

3s - home v Hillhead Jordanhill