Marr Rugby Club bowl over Arran

Feb 27 2009

MARR crushed Isle of Arran 67-5 to march into the second round of the Scottish Hydro Electric Bowl.

With Darren O'Connor in the second row and Don Morrison returning from injury in the back row, Marr took only two minutes to strike when Craig Steele scored the first of two tries. He was followed by Matt Pittam and captain Robbie Lockie with all three converted by Rory McGee to open a 21-0 lead.

Andrew Gault was next to cross the line while Pittam scored his second in the 33rd minute. Andrew Watson then ran in his first of three tries before Arran struck back with their only try. Marr's prop rounded off the first-half scoring, crashing over to give a 47-5 half-time lead.

John Duncan came on at prop with Shaun Little on at full back and quick tries were added by Steele and McGee.

Arran's defence stood resolute until five minutes from the end when Watson crossed the line twice.

Coach Kevin Pattie was happy with the result but felt they lost their shape for large periods of the game with too many forwards standing out in the back line.

Marr 2nd XV lost 18-10 away to league leaders Greenock. Ryan Kirk came in at centre along with Luke Davies while a late call off by Graeme Currie saw Keith Dunsmuir move to hooker.

Trailing to a first minute try, Marr then lost Frank McGerty to a serious head knock. He was taken to hospital but is recovering well after being stitched up. Greenock to their credit said that the try should be disallowed due to the Marr players dealing with the injury.

Greenock went ahead with a penalty but Marr hit back when Dunsmuir charged down an attempted clearance and ran in a try. Then Kirk added a second.

But that was Marr’s last score and Greenock added three tries to clinch victory.

This was a good performance by Marr with Kirk in particular playing well. The pack did well and dominated the scum. Chris Myers, making his return after a long injury layoff, made an impact when coming on to replace McGerty and made several rampaging runs.

This weekend, the firsts travel to National League Division One Cambuslang in the next round of the bowl. Cambuslang beat Hughenden 41-10 in the last round.