Callum Kerr @ Millbrae.
Marr Rugby ran out 10-25 victors in an enthralling Scottish Cup Semi-Final encounter at Millbrae. The Premiership side went into the match hot favourites, but trailing 5-3 at half time with a red card against them they relied on a strong final forty to get over the line.
(Image – George McMillan)
It was clear from the off that this was a local derby. Marr started sharp, showing their Premiership pedigree but Ayr were unperturbed and sprung into life to weather the early attack and fire some blows of their own. It was nip and tuck, with no quarter given.
Within 15 minutes the ferocity had spilled into a scuffle and a man from both sides earned a spot in the sin bin. Although all 30 men ended up in the debacle it was Jamie Bova of Ayr and Ben Johnstone of Marr who were appointed to sit out for ten minutes.
The first points of the match came after 20 minutes, with Colin Sturgeon of Marr deciding to slow down the pace of the game and convert a penalty into three points.
Marr had the upper hand at the breakdown which allowed them to exit from a couple of attacks, but with the interval looming it was Stuart Fenwick’s men who crossed the line first. Ben Johnstone, on his return from the bin, flagrantly stopped a quick tap near the line resulting in a second yellow to end his afternoon. With newfound wind in their sails Ayr went to the corner and scored from the line out. The pack opted not to maul and Rohan Pottie broke free to catch the ball in space and muscle over.
Half-time: Ayr RFC 5-3 Marr Rugby
Marr resumed the game with a spring in their step despite the numerical disadvantage. Territory turned into a penalty which Sturgeon put them ahead with, before the fly-half added a score of his own. Ayr now trailed 5-13 after 50 minutes.
Marr continued to flex their muscle and scores in quick succession from Andrew Acton and Jake Jacobsen stretched their advantage.
Ayr’s woes continued and an injury to Ross McCorkindale meant re-shuffling the back line. With his brother Jonny moving to scrum-half, Ayr U18s star Jack Craig took to the field to make his 1XV debut.
Ayr thrusted themselves back into contention with a score on 70 minutes through Stuart Collier, who barrelled over from the back of a maul.
The try gave them a late surge of energy but Marr weathered all late onslaughts to hold out.
Full-time: Ayr RFC 10-25 Marr RFC.
Rohan Pottie was named Press Player of the Match.
Best of luck to Marr in the Scottish Cup Premiership Final.