BT National league One

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR 19

MARR RUGBY 22

MARR Rugby’s 1st XV continued their recent impressive run with a bonus point win away to Aberdeen Grammar.

Continuing Injuries and other commitments meant several of the recent first squad regulars were missing.

This though presented an opportunity for a number of players to step up and/or switch positions and show head coach Craig Redpath and his assistant Paul Burke they were more than ready, prepared and capable of stepping in or switching positions to provide cover.

After 80 minutes competing against an improving home side the final outcome showed that Marr’s coaches work and approaches were paying off as the changes appeared relatively seamless

On the starting line-up Ollie Rossi continued at hooker and was propped by William Farquhar and Fraser ‘Rhino’ Ferguson. Pieter Killian switched to second row to pack beside Kris Kirk, who continues to quietly and effectively get the important jobs done.

A new-look back row included Kyle Vallance at number eight and Zane Burn at flanker. Paul Burke was at the heart of most of Marr’s critical defensive plays and Gregor Ness stepped in at scrum half, linking well with Craig Kolarik.

Marr took control from kick-off. After several phases of play Conor Bickerstaff cut a way though the defence to score a converted try in only three minutes. Grammar had rare opportunities but one sortie into Marr’s half was rewarded with a penalty and full-back Alex Hagart converted.

As the quarter closed Marr again found a way through to the try line. Kyle Vallance made a great break and as the defensive cover closed him down he offloaded in the tackle and after continuing quick phase ball the unstoppable Scott Bickerstaff was unleashed.

Grammar enjoyed a better second quarter but found Marr equally determined to keep them out of the red zone. Hagart added a second long range penalty. Visiting player Conor Bickerstaff was penalised and yellow-carded for infringing at the breakdown. At the resulting penalty Grammar made the most of the numerical advantage and took a five metre scrum which they scored from.

Five minutes after the break Marr extended their lead. Winning an attacking scrum just inside the 22 metre area the visitors were in a perfect attacking position. Picking up from the base Gregor Ness feinted and stepped first outside then inside the defensive to open up a gap and raced to the line to touch down

Grammar responded well and as the third quarter closed their efforts had been rewarded by a converted penalty and unconverted.

With 20 minutes left Marr stretched the lead with an unconverted try. Ollie Rossi found Stuart Howie, who touched down on the corner.

With minutes remaining Marr enjoyed a rare foray into Grammar territory and Conor Bickerstaff set up Marr’s final try which was touched down by Colin Sturgeon.