The Greens travelled up to Marr yesterday knowing that after their double success, each week of this new season would see a target on their backs as teams were motivated to down the champions. Marr to their credit had prepared well for Hawick’s visit and in the glorious Troon sunshine, with the wind at the backs, they started the stronger. Too many early penalties conceded by the men in Green resulted in a 9 point haul for Marr skipper Colin Sturgeon, which was followed by a converted try by the home side making the score 16-0, before Hawick saw any real possession and territory in the Marr 22. When they did sharp thinking by Gareth Welsh from a quick tap penalty saw him cross for the try, which went uncovered by Kirk Ford. Further pressure by the Hawick side resulted in Ronan McKean crossed in the corner, only for the final pass to frustratingly be adjudged marginally forward. Halftime score Marr 16-5 Hawick.

I have no doubt the Hawick lads would have felt that they hadn’t done themselves justice in that first 40 and a few choice words from the coaches at the half, would be alluding to that fact!
The second half continued as an intensely physical affair, with the Marr team putting in a tremendous shift in defence as the Greens tried everything to get a foothold in the game.

Alas it wasn’t to be and although Bailey Donaldson fought his way over the line late in the half, the ball was adjudged to be held up by his tacklers. As is often the case, as one team chased the game, the other are able to create their own opportunities and Marr crossed for a further two tries, before the whistle went fur not side, resulting in a final score of 24-5. As well as taking the points, Marr also wrestled the Bill McLaren Shield away from the men from Mansfield Park.

In a game where the first half was literally punctuated by penalties, both teams picked up repeated offence yellow cards, however Hawick in particular were out of sorts, and found it hard to find their mojo, and get into the rhythm which became their trademark last season.

However, the coaching team will remind the lads on Tuesday evening that….’It’s not how you respond to winning….. that shows the true character of a squad….it’s how you respond to defeat…..and the beauty of the season is that the lads have a chance to put things right next week at home when they welcome Border rivals Kelso. 💚🏉