BT National League One

EDINBURGH ACCIES 11

MARR RUGBY 17

MARR Rugby’s first ever visit to the historic cradle of Scottish club and international rugby, Raeburn Place, Edinburgh ended in victory.

The win added four vital points to the league tally as Marr remain in the upper tier of National League One behind Watsonians, just ahead of hard chasing Dundee and Jed-Forest and with only six matches remaining.

The visitors welcomed back from long term injury Mackenzie Pearce (sponsored by AG Peters) but they continued to remain without the services of several key players, including versatile prop Fraser Ferguson who hasn’t recovered from an ankle injury sustained in the recent match against Howe of Fife. In his place Mark Allison was called up from the 2nd XV to provide front row cover.

In the opening quarter, Marr held a slight edge but were unable to find a way through a tight defence. Sustaining and surviving this early pressure Accies noticeably grew in confidence and forays into Marr territory were rewarded with a penalty in 23 minutes. In spite of an awkward angle and swirling wind, their 17 -year-old Scotland age grade stand-off Ben Appleson converted with ease to open the scoring.

Marr enjoyed several good phases of play but again were countered by Accies determined defence. Their pressure play gained a penalty on half way and Colin Sturgeon’s effort went just wide. Just after the half hour mark Marr finally managed to cut loose. Quick offloading just before the tackle created a gap. With Marr’s backs stacked in numbers on the right wing they had a perfect overlap that was exploited in textbook fashion. Scott and Conor Bickerstaff linked well to carve a way through with Conor finishing off the try Sturgeon’s conversion was added.

This stung Accies into offensive action and for the next 10 minutes Marr were forced to defend deep in their half. Accies' efforts gained another converted penalty to reduce the gap at half time to a single point.

The second half saw Marr get off to a storming start. Winning a lineout on Accies 22-metre line Marr released their back row to hit up midfield. Mackenzie Pearce muscled his way through and shrugging off the first and second tackle found himself in clear space. As he raced to the line Accies scrum half Alex Glashan, assisted by Appleson, made a commendable effort to tackle just short of the try line but Mackenzie’s dynamic momentum was too much and after a quick check with his assistant referee George Pounder awarded the try. Sturgeon added the extra two points.

Accies immediately hit back and gained a converted penalty as a reward for their efforts. With half an hour left and only three points separating the sides, a nailbiting finish beckoned.

With 15 minutes left a high tackle on Scott Bickerstaff was penalised and Sturgeon added three points.

Marr were forced to withstand sustained pressure for the remainder of the match. This included a final five minutes flurry when Accies managed to gain position close to Marr’s try line. As Accies hammered home repeated attacks Marr’s players showed great determination and composure to keep their line intact and importantly win turnover ball at several critical stages to help reduce the pressure.

This included managing to effectively deal with a rolling maul.

As bodies collapsed the referee was perfectly positioned to judge that Marr had done enough to win turnover ball. Marr’s resolve was finally rewarded as they cleared their lines and held on to win.

In a tough league this was one of Marr’s hardest and toughest matches achieving a hard fought but well-deserved victory.

While there is now a short three week break from league fixtures Marr’s attentions turn to cup business and the impending home tie against Howe of Fife.

Marr Rugby man-of the-match: Conor Bickerstaff (sponsored by CCL Logistics).