Shock defeat slips Marr to third

Dec 18 2009 by Mike WIlson, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

MARR slipped to third in NationalDivision Three with a costly 6-0 defeat away to Trinity.

They had headed up the M8 looking to consolidate second place against a team who narrowly missed promotion last year but have misfired badly this term.

Marr had won the early season contest in Troon by 30-8 but with the loss of Rory McGee, their ever reliable goal kicker and playmaker and big No. 8 Craig Steele, it was always likely to be a difficult encounter.

Right from the start, the capital side had Marr under all sorts of pressure in the scrum. For the first time this season, Marr were marched backwards at a worrying rate and with the backs receiving a constant stream of bad ball, they were unable to display their usual verve in attack.

With the game very open in the first half, both teams had several opportunities to get on the scoreboard but both defences stood firm. Marr did have a period towards the end of the first half when they bombarded the Trinity goal line but the hosts repelled everything to ride out the storm until half time, the first scoreless half the Troon side have had this season.

The second half was a continuation of the first with both teams again having opportunities but again failing to make them count.

Trinity were now in the ascendancy, but, on the whole, the Marr defence was well organised and coping with the waves of attack. With no obvious way to the Marr line, the Trinity stand-off dropped into the pocket and collected three points from a drop goal.

Marr upped the ante, but were devoid of their usual attacking flair and with the scrum still in retreat it wasn't long until Trinity were back in the 22, when up stepped their stand-off, again slotting a drop goal to double the score.

Marr are left to reflect on how this result will affect their push to win the league. They will now be hoping that other results go their way and that they have no more slip-ups.

On Saturday, the 1st XV entertain Helensburgh at 2pm. Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm when all are welcome to join in.