Marr Rugby FC secure top flight safety

Apr 24 2009

UNDERSTRENGTH Marr, with a host of players unavailable, lost 15-12 away to Trinity Accies in their second last game of the season.

But the losing bonus point was enough to secure national league rugby next season.

Missing was influential stand-off Rory McGee who injured his knee at the Arran sevens the previous week. Centre Matt Pittam started at stand-off with the rest of the back line unchanged. Kurt Davies and Craig Steele were unavailable in the pack which meant that Kevin Pattie was at number eight and prop John Duncan started in the second row. Trinity started brightly but a couple of loose kicks allowed winger Andrew Watson to go close to scoring but some good last ditched tackling stopped Marr from scoring.

Marr were on the attack when an interception provided the first points for Trinity despite a valiant chase by Andrew Gault. Trinity ran in a second first-half try which was converted to take the score to 12-0.

Marr's defence held strong and when flanker Keith Dunsmuir stole possession at the breakdown it was moved wide to Scott Bickerstaff who ran the length of the pitch to score. Matt Pitam added the conversion.

The second half started with Trinity adding a penalty to take the score to 15-7. Marr continued to ask questions of the Trinity defence and were awarded a lineout ten metres out. Sub Steven Grant took the ball at the front and popped the ball back to hooker Stuart Millar who barged his way over the line.

Scott Bickerstaff played well while Andrew Watson started well but his day was cut short due to injury. The pack were effective when picking and driving and caused Trinity problems.

Marr have one fixture remaining away against Lenzie on May 2. Training continues on Thursday at Fullarton Park at 7pm and anyone wishing to play is welcome to attend.