Marr hit back from torrid start
Marr hit back from a torrid opening 15 minutes when Dundee’s power play threatened to overwhelm them with a penalty and two converted tries to go six points clear in BT National League One.
Dundee’s pack, under the guidance of Alan Brown, dominated the set- piece and rampaged at will in open play. Stand- off Ewan Fox stood out with clever running and shrewd kicking, along the way converting two penalties, scored a try and converted two.
As the first quarter closed, Marr managed to start to force their way back and a series of close range charges from lineouts was rewarded with a Ben Johnston try.
Five minutes later, centre Conor Bickerstaff ( sponsored by CCL Logistics) cleverly used winger Tom Steven as a decoy to mis- foot the defence and step on the outside to score.
In the second half it was Marr’s turn to apply pressure from the start. Dundee lost George Arnott to a yellow card but they held firm for most of the ten minutes before finally running out of steam. Johnston peeled off a close range scrum to touch down and the conversion reduced the deficit to three points.
Within five minutes, Marr gained the lead as Mackenzie Pearce’s quick thinking from a close range penalty saw him breenge through.
Marr’s dominance continued and was rewarded with further tries. After several close range surges were illegally disrupted, the referee awarded a penalty try.
Stuart Howie ( sponsored by Fusion Sportswear) extended the lead with a try in the corner. This was followed by Johnston’s hat- trick as he broke off a close range scum and Dundee’s defence opened up like the Red Sea to provide him with a pathway to the line.
Conor Bickerstaff added his second try before Ali Mackie grabbed a consolation.
The 2nd XV match against Carrick was abandoned after 55 minutes when the referee was unable to continue due to injury.
The start of the Six Nations Championship and next round of the BT Cup means a two week break in league action before Marr return away to Falkirk.
Marr man of match: Ben Johnston ( sponsored by Jimmy Armour). Tries: Ben Johnston ( 3), Conor Bickerstaff ( 2), Mackenzie Pearce, Stuart Howie and penalty try. Conversions: Colin Sturgeon ( 5).
Saturday’s fixtures ( 2pm): 2s home v GHK; 3s away v GHA.