BT Cup Quarter-Final

MARR RUGBY 18

GLASGOW HAWKS 36

DESPITE a brave effort Marr Rugby’s cup journey for 2015/16 ended as premiership side and pre-match favourites Glasgow Hawks proved to be too powerful for the home side.

In the opening exchanges Hawks gave early notice of their ability to play at pace and with precision and quickly turn defence into attack.

In the first scrums Hawks' pack had the edge. After only 10 minutes William Farquhar was introduced to the front row and made an immediate impact in the scrum as Marr were awarded a penalty that Colin Surgeon converted to open the scoring.

Hawks quickly replied with two well-worked converted tries after exploiting defensive gaps. As Marr tried to force their way back into the match they encountered a formidable and pacey line defence. At the breakdown Hawks were repeatedly penalised and this further disrupted Marr’s efforts to get any decent continuity of play. Just before the half hour Marr’s cause took a blow as William Farquhar was forced to retire through injury. He was replaced by Fraser Ferguson but the changes limited Marr’s opportunities to further rotate their front row. Marr’s efforts secured a second penalty within kickable range and Sturgeon doubled his tally.

Hawks then closed their first half account with two further tries to open a 20-point advantage.

As the first half came to a close Marr gained field position close to Hawks line after another penalty award provided the chance to kick to the corner an opt for a close range attacking lineout.

From the lineout Marr’s pack hammered home a series of pick and drives and eventually Mackenzie Pearce bludgeoned his way through to touch down for a try which was converted to make it 26-13 at half-time.

In the first 10 minutes of the second half Hawks stretched their lead with two further tries. The first was scored by Hawks captain and Scottish Club Internationalist Brendan McGroarty.

During the final half hour Marr’s attempts to fight back were frustrated by a mixture of stubborn defence and uncharacteristic errors in open play which saw possession being lost.

Despite this the home side kept plugging away and their efforts were rewarded with a second try gained through forwards domination - this one scored by Andy Kelly.

Hawks were worthy winners and progress to the semi-finals. Meanwhile Marr’s squad get little chance to rest and recover from a bruising day as they return to league business and an important tie against third placed Jed-Forest.

Marr Rugby man of the match: Andy Kelly.