GHK v MARR

RBS West Regional Shield Semi Final – 2nd February 2013

After several pitch inspections at a number of locations, umpteen telephone calls, e-mails and the like, the GHK contingent made their way down to Troon for the semi final encounter with Marr RFC. Accordingly, the loss of home advantage was added to by a few selection challenges for GHK that had come about by virtue of injury, illness and Six Nations adventures. Not the best preparation for taking on the runaway league leaders, but we all love a challenge.

GHK kicked off in fine conditions and the first few moments saw both sides quickly into their stride with Marr working their combinations and GHK demonstrating some decent tackling and defensive lines. A penalty in the midfield to Marr saw their number ten kick deep in to the visitors’ twenty two. From the line out the home pack took clean possession and repeated drives put the defence on the back foot and space was made to allow the first try of the day to be scored. The score was converted from wide right by the Marr number ten. 7-0 to Marr after six minutes.

Having witnessed Marr play some classy rugby against GHK a couple of months ago this early score was an ominous reminder of what they tend to do when they get in to the danger zone. So when they forced GHK deep in to our own twenty two a few minutes later it took an abrasive defensive reply by GHK to keep out another Marr assault. GHK (the visitors in case you are confused) enjoyed some decent possession and for the first time in the match the game was being played in the Marr half. Davie Reed put a penalty deep in to the home twenty two. Stubborn defence by Marr kept out the visitors’ attempts to get on the score board. The response by Marr was to work their way back up the pitch and, having got in to the twenty two, worked space for their clinical backs and try number two was chalked up wide right. The conversion was successful. 14-0 after twenty two minutes.

Davie Reed got GHK on the score board after twenty five minutes with a penalty from about thirty metres after Marr were penalised for crossing. Almost instantly the fourteen point deficit was reinstated as the home stand off converted a penalty from midfield. 17-3 to Marr just short of the half hour.

The game was keenly contested by both sides with perhaps the main distinguishing feature being that when Marr got in to the GHK twenty two they almost invariably scored whereas we did not have the clinical finishing of the Ayrshire lads. Marr added a third unconverted try after thirty two minutes. This produced an immediate response from GHK and a powerful break by Gregor Hollerin was taken on by Rory Love and held up just short by some fine scrambling defence by Marr. GHK pushed hard for a score in the closing stages of the first half but a mean home defence gave nothing away. 22-3 to Marr at half time.

Marr re-started proceedings and were immediately in to their stride. However, their next try was as a result of a misunderstanding at the back of a GHK scrum whereby a pass was intercepted and the swift Marr three-quarter was over for a fourth try that was unconverted. Marr’s next try was the pick of the bunch with some forceful forward drives taking the game midway in to the GHK half, some smart off loading and a pop pass to a runner at pace from deep broke the GHK line and the supporting Marr player was in under the posts. 34-3 to Marr with more than half an hour to go.

GHK started to ring the changes with Finn Carmichael replacing Rory Love and shortly thereafter Fraser McLeod came on for Alasdair Patrick and John Mill for Adam Johnstone. The replacements lost no time in getting stuck in to the tasks at hand. It was hard work against a powerful and relentless Marr side that is playing rugby to a very high standard indeed. The final change saw scrum half Glenn Woolard leave the field to be replaced by Stuart Hugh.

Marr continued to apply pressure at every opportunity, but GHK did more than defend and took the game to the home side when at all possible. The Marr defence however gave nothing away. In the time that remained they added a further twelve points. The final score was 46-3 to Marr. That it was no more was due to a very courageous and determined effort by all the guys in GHK shirts. Having gone in to the game with several changes from last week, a number of players out of position and a number of guys carrying significant injuries it is testament to the nineteen GHK men that this game was so keenly contested. All the guys deserve immense credit for a hugely brave and committed performance. Marr had to work hard for all of their scores bar one. Unfortunately we visitors from Anniesland seem to bring out the best in our hosts! They do play some very fine rugby.

We wish Marr all the best in what remains of the season and good luck in the final. From a GHK point of view, testing ourselves against the best around should stand us in good stead for the challenges that we face in the months ahead.

This article was posted on 3-Feb-2013, 18:24 by Hugh Barrow.