Courtesy of Marr website

RBS National Cup – West regional semi-final Glasgow Hawks – 36 Marr Rugby – 3
Playing against Premier division Glasgow Hawks was always going to provide a stern test and despite the final result Marr’s squad came through with flying colours and showed a great spirit to compete for the full match in the face of extreme elements.

Hawks play two divisions above Marr and sit mid-table. Their forwards pack a powerful punch and playing in horrendous weather conditions were well suited for a forwards dominated battle. Marr’s pack was under pressure from the start and did well to manage to get any ball back from set pieces. Marr’s lengthy list of unavailable forwards got event longer when on Thursday Barry Kirk, failed a fitness test on an injury picked up from his previous match. This meant Lloyd Allam was called in to start in the second row and partner Fraser Grant who had been switched from his usual back row position. With Angus Johnston alas unavailable a new look back row of Ben Johnston, Kyle Vallance and Kurt Davies started. The front row started Chris Nesbit, Ollie Rossi and Fraser Ferguson. On the bench Blain Seffen (sponsored by The Jade Dragon) made his 1st XV debut and joined Mark Allison, Bob Kennedy and Andrew Gault (sponsored by Homes and Interiors).

The forecast gale force winds and torrential rain made playing conditions difficult for both sides and all credit to all of the players who braved these elements and to the band of over 100 Marr supporters who travelled up to cheer on their team.

With Old Anniesland unplayable due to part of the pitch being flooded the fixture was moved next door to New Anniesland.

Within five minutes Hawks scored their first try. Their forwards pounced on a Marr handling error just outside the 22 and keeping play tight impressively bludgeoned their way towards Marr’s line. For the following fifteen minutes Marr continued to face a barrage of attacks and did well to keep Hawks at bay. The lineout was a lottery and in the scrum Marr found themselves being driven back with ease. Grant Baird and the back row did well to secure the ball under this pressure. As a tactical change Bob Kennedy was brought on to allow Chris Nesbit to drop back into second row and this helped steady things for a period.

As the first quarter was ending Hawks struck for try two. Marr had been penalised and Hawks kicked to the corner. From the lineout they drove towards the line. Marr managed to stop the first two peels but the third one saw Hawks cross to score.

From the restart Mar managed to make a rare visit into Hawks territory. Good pressure from the restart kick led to Hawks being penalised and Rory McGee slotted home the kick. Marr’s joy was short lived as in the following passage of play Gregor Ness was injured in a collision as he leapt to catch a kick and had to retire with Andrew Gault being brought on as replacement. Marr’s attempts to try to gain any foothold in Hawks territory were beaten by a combination of factors. Handling errors and the strength and intensity of Hawks play at the breakdown saw possession lost. Hawks were also willing to concede penalties as they repeatedly killed the ball at breakdowns to prevent Marr from having any opportunity to quickly recycle. In attack Hawks showed great intensity in their play and Marr were forced to give much ground before finally managing to stop the attacks. Hawks will rue several good chances to score which were squandered by their propensity to use blocking runners to take out Marr defenders. Finally their pressure paid off when just on half-time they scored their third try. Once again this came through the pack’s power play.

The second half followed much the same pattern of play as the first forty minutes. Hawks dominated possession and territory whilst Marr had few chances to move from defensive lines to attacking play. Marr’s lineout improved and on rare occasions managed to win the ball from Hawks put-ins. Hawks forwards claimed three further tries to no response and with the light fading the referee’s full time whistle finally brought respite to both sides.

In trying conditions and circumstances Hawks were deserved winners but Marr’s side can take credit from their determined play throughout. Under significant pressure the team managed to prevent what might easily have turned into a rout. For most of the match Marr’s defensive play and support was very good and the young players can take heart from the opportunity and experience of playing against a side two levels above what they normally encounter. This will serve them well as thoughts return to league action.


Allan Mackintosh

This article was originally posted on 17-Dec-2013, 11:15 by Hugh Barrow.
Last updated by Hugh Barrow on 17-Dec-2013, 22:17.