BT Reserve League West 1

GHK 0

MARR RUGBY 29

MARR Rugby 2nd XV delivered a comprehensive performance in difficult conditions to win against second placed GHK and gain a five0point advantage with a game still in hand. There's still a long way to go in the league but Marr's performance against their title-chasing rivals was exactly what was needed to keep the home side's momentum going.

During the opening quarter Marr enjoyed good periods of possession and territory and only some resolute defence from GHK kept their line intact. Eventually though the breakthrough came as Kris Kirk scored in 15 minutes before adding a second five minutes later. The first followed a close range attacking scrum GHK initially disrupted but Marr retained possession and patiently played through the phases and Kris Kirk was unstoppable from his close range breenge.

Murray Beckwith added the conversion points. The second came after Marr opted to kick a penalty to the corner. From the resulting lineout Marr’s pack guided by scrum half Gregor Ness hammered GHK’s defensive lines and drove them back to the try line. Quick ball was fed and once again he was unstoppable as he carried two tacklers over the line to touch down.

During the second quarter GHK enjoyed an extended spell of possession and territory as they probed and tested Marr’s defence.

Several times they came close but the home side managed to stand firm. As the half drew to a close Marr managed to get back on to the offensive. They put GHK under a fair bit of pressure and gained several penalty advantages that they opted to play through the hands. Eventually they stretched the defence and Jack Scott put in a cross kick to the corner for his winger and outside centre. GHK initially disrupted but Marr retained possession and Murray Beckwith exploited some rare space and score in the corner.

In the second half Marr quickly added the bonus point try. Winning a scrum in GHK’s 22-metre area Gregor Ness broke down the narrow side and fed Stuart Howie who had come flying in from his wing changing the point of attack and slicing through to score. The extra points were added by Murray Beckwith.

As the match entered the final few minutes Marr added a fifth try as prop Fraser Ferguson, acting as an auxiliary centre, showed a deft turn of pace and some elusive footwork as he delivered one of his trademark Rhino charges to beat two defenders and cross the line.

Marr Rugby 2nd XV man of the match: Callum Steel

Reserve League West 3

GHA GAZELLES 7

MARR RUGBY 41

MEANWHILE Marr Rugby's 3rd XV were playing GHA at Braidholm where after a close first half they stretched away in the second scoring five tries to no response and secure a comfortable win.

In the opening 10 minutes, Marr dominated in set piece and open play and were rewarded with two tries – the first coming from a thundering charge by Chris Myers. The second came after Paul Bray powered over in the corner. For the rest of the half Marr were unable to add further points as they were disrupted by a mixture of good and tenacious defensive work from the hosts and some slack handling.

Just before half-time GHA’s tenacity was rewarded with a converted try to leave the score 10-7.

In the second half Marr reaped the rewards of being able to maintain a good work rate and determined play amongst most of their players as the hosts tired. A steady stream of tries followed as gaps in the home were opened up. The pick was Gary Abbot’s contribution as the home defence was burst open following a midfield breakout from Marr’s forwards and Gareth went on an arcing run and out-stepped the last line before touching down. Thomas Watkins also impressed with several promising breaks.

Marr Rugby 3nd XV man of the match: Chris Myers

The start of the Six Nations means that domestic rugby is on hold until February 11 when the 1s are at Falkirk, the 2s are at GHA and the 3s host Waysiders/Drumpellier 2s.