Saturday served up a true top of the Premiership cracker at Mansfield Park, as both the Hawick and Marr squads gave every ounce, playing out a hugely physical and compelling 80 minutes of rugby, after which Hawick ultimately came out on top of, in part by virtue of having scoring two tries to nil.

Both defences were truly outstanding, as these two sides who know each other so well and respect each others ability, neither gave or asked any quarter.

After a ‘chess like’ first 15 minutes where both teams probed and looked to find a chink in each others defences, Hawick struck first when Lee Armstrong broke from midfield and fed Andrew Mitchell, who in turn did what he does best and backed himself against the Marr back three……Kirk Ford converting.

Although Hawick kept the pressure up, and a further long range Kirk Ford penalty yielded 3 points, Marr kept themselves close, when Hawick carelessly gave away three penalties which were duly converted to leave the game evenly balanced at 10-9 as halftime came.

The second half continued much in the same vein as the first, with both defences holding firm, however Hawick were starting to dominate possession and continually asking questions of their opponents. After a further Kirk Ford penalty, Hawick redoubled their efforts and from a line-out 10 metres from the Marr line, firstly Ross Graham drove forward. Ben Scott was next to snipe, drawing on the Marr back row, and finally captain Shawn Muir came short to take the snap pass, and drive over the whitewash, to huge acclaim from the Mansfield faithful….. putting a little daylight between the two sides.

Marr to their credit continued to probe the Hawick defence however the Greens were in no mood to concede a try and a terrific turnover by Fraser Wilson 5 metres out epitomised the spirit of the lads.

Penalties were exchanged before with time up, Marr opted to kick at the posts as opposed to the corner, to secure a loosing bonus point.

Final score Hawick 21 -15 Marr

This was a very powerful performance by the Greens, rarely does the potent Marr attack get stopped short of the line for the full 80 minutes.

The Greens, as they do each week, will now turn the page and following analysis snd review on Tuesday evening will turn their attentions to their visit to Poynder Park and their fellow Borderers Kelso. Another firecracker of a Border Derby is in prospect. 🏉💚