A View from the Touchline – BT Premier League: 21.10.17.

Marr 12 pts (t 2, c 1) v Currie Chieftains 24 pts (t 3, c 3, pg 1)

It has been 25 years or so since Currie last ventured to Marr RFC, and its rural location close to the Ayrshire town of Troon. The two rugby clubs have a very similar history; both founded in the early 1970s and then fighting their way through the lower National Leagues to eventually reach the top flight; and what an impact the new boys from Marr have made, in this, their first season in the Premiership. Fullarton Park has become a fortress for their ambitious exploits; with vociferous supporters providing a significant edge and a ‘cup-tie’ atmosphere; it is definitely no place for the weak-hearted. This was a potential ‘banana-skin’ for the visiting Chieftains, but fortunately they overcame the terrier tackling of a boisterous opposition, and the sodden slalom surface to record a hard-fought victory.

Another heavy shower greeted the teams as they ran on to a green pitch that squelched like a soggy sponge. Possession changed hands frequently during the first five minutes, as Marr harried and bashed the visitors’ defence, but they were held at bay. The home team continued to press even after a kickable penalty sailed wide of the posts. Currie found it difficult to make any headway, but when Scott McGinley turned the ball over and Jamie Forbes thumped a long penalty kick deep into the Marr 22, their fortunes changed. A long period of attrition finally ended after 22 minutes of play, and with the referee awarding a penalty try against Marr for their constant infringements; Mackenzie Pearce was sent to the sin bin.

The second quarter saw Currie moving the ball skilfully through their backs, but they were always thwarted by a well-organised defence that proved to be a constant nuisance for the visitors; several counterattacks caused much excitement amongst the home support. Left wing, Tom Steven went close, and when a 5 metre penalty lineout started to inch forward, the noisy locals added that extra impetus for Will Farquhar’s try; Craig Kolarik converted. Leading up to the break, Currie had their own flutters near the opposition goal line; Matt O’Neil sent good ball for Harvey Elms and Ruairidh Smith to make their mark, but the conditions and excellent cover defence let nothing through.

Halftime score – Marr 7pts, Currie Chieftains 7pts

The second half continued in similar vein, as Currie tried to open the Marr defence. Ben Robbins took a difficult catch under pressure to set up a counterattack down the left wing; Harvey Elms, Robbie Nelson and the terrific Thomas Gordon were all involved before the ball got to Jamie Forbes who danced out of several tackles and looked to have scored a wonderful try. After consulting with his officials, the referee deemed that the ball had been knocked forward in the touch-down, and a defending 5 metre scrum ensued. The ball was cleared, but only to a well-positioned Thomas Gordon, who magnificently crashed through the oncoming defence at speed, and released Ben Robbins for a 20 metre dash to the line. The superb try was converted by an equally splendid kick from Jamie Forbes.

It looked as if the visitors were starting to take a grip on proceedings, but Marr are not a team to give up easily. They continued to pounce at every opportunity that came their way. A speculative penalty kick into the Chieftains’ 22, once again had the crowd at fever pitch. On the hour mark, it was a re-work of their earlier score; the pack engaged four-wheel drive and chugged to the line. Former Currie prop, Fraser Watt scored but the try was not converted. The home team tackled and harassed wherever the ball went, with Currie doing well to retain possession and patiently work their way into the Marr red-zone. Conditions dictated that it was now the visitors’ turn to grind out something at close quarters. A fine forward effort resulted in Callum Mackintosh’s try. Jamie Forbes converted the score and added a penalty goal that followed a tremendous break and 20 metre gallop by Michael Vernel, who nearly made the line. Currie kept up the pressure, but Marr also had their moments as play moved between the 22 lines. Some fine defensive tackling from Vince Wright, Stephen Ainslie and Rhys Davies kept the lid on the effervescing home team, who worked tirelessly in an attempt to gain a losing bonus point. Next weekend the clocks change as does the first part of the League programme with a visit from Heriots’. This is nearly always a difficult fixture against their formidable pack. Let’s hope for some dry weather; KO is 3.00pm at Malleny Park. I.J.S, 22.10.17.