BT National League One

MARR RUGBY

WATSONIANS RFC 8

THE top-of =the table clash lived up to its billing with one of the hardest fought matches seen in recent years at Fullarton.

A fast paced, intense and tightly contested contest ensued with both sides showing great defensive skill to disrupt and defend their try line.

Leaders Watsonians arrived carrying an impressive scoring record averaging 33 points per match delivered by an impressive pack and back line.

Marr’s squad included Kris Kirk - making a return after a nine week injury lay-off. He took up his usual berth in the second row and with Kyle Vallance still injured versatile Angus Johnston switched to join the back row.

A crowd of more than 400 enjoyed a feast of quality rugby in perfect conditions which saw neither side prepared to give any quarter and some explosive and tenacious defensive play.

Marr got off to a flying start and within five minutes the early pressure was rewarded with a penalty that Colin Sturgeon converted.Watsonians immediately responded with an unconverted try.. From a penalty just inside Marr’s half livewire scrum half Reiss Cullen took a quick tap and go and split open Marr’s defence He was finally tackled but Watsonians quickly recycled to keep the momentum going and spread the ball wide to allow centre Rory Steele to score in the corner.

With 15 minutes gone Marr were enjoying a good period of possession but could find no way though a determined defence.After a flare-up Grant Baird was penalised and shown a yellow card., However this setback did not faze Marr who laid siege on the Watsonians line. Only some resolute defence kept them out.

Restored to 15 players Marr started to gain a slight advantage. Watsonians' usually sound pack struggled to contain Marr’s forwards. Just after the half hour Sturgeon converted another penalty and Marr regained the lead. As half time approached Marr began to attack with greater rhythm.

Conor Bickerstaff made several promising bursts and it took a number of Watsonians defenders to contain him. With half-time approaching he broke into midfield around halfway and but on contact sustained a significant injury to his knee that forced early retirement and emergency transfer to hospital. Referee Neil Muir called half-time to allow treatment to Conor and after an extended break the second half got underway.

Andrew Mill was introduced at centre.

As the end of the third quarter approached Marr again enjoyed an extended period deep in Watsonians half. Props William Farquhar and Fraser Ferguson were brought on as replacements and added extra energy to Marr’s pack

As the pressure was upped and Marr closed towards Watsonians line a flare up occurred and an initial penalty award to Marr was reversed following intervention from the assistant referee. This enabled Watsonians to clear their lines and take play into Marr territory. As they gained scrum possession in a good attacking position Marr coach Craig Redpath introduced replacement hooker Ollie Rossi to the pack. He immediately made his mark by winning the strike against the head and Marr were able to counter attack.

The closing 15 minutes became a battle royal as both sides worked themselves into the ground in final attacking and defensive flurries. Marr’s defence was exceptional and man-of-the match Ben Johnston led the way with some perfectly-timed and targeted thumping tackles. Combining well with Sturgeon he also made some telling charges gaining critical territory for Marr. With five minutes remaining the home side's pressure and tenacity was rewarded with a penalty in kickable range and Sturgeon made no mistake to allow Marr to regain the lead.

Precision in the tackle and at the breakdown was the order of the day to ensure no penalties were conceded. Marr held firm and aggressive play at the breakdown secured turnover ball at critical moments before the final whistle was sounded.

The result sees no positional change but narrows the gap between the top two sides.

Marr’s players now look ahead to a re-arranged league match on Saturday as they travel to meet Musselburgh while Watsonians face a tricky visit to meet third placed Dundee.