2nds play a match at last - and win. Double shock!!

Given the unpredictable and frustrating nature of the West Reserve League 1, the 2XV travelled to Fullarton on Saturday to take on Marr 2XV with a buzz of excitement - a game after too many idle Saturday afternoons so far this season!

Throughout the week there had been a positive vibe around the club and numbers both available and present at training were good. The 2XV manager, Bruce Beggans, had the almost unheard of problem of having to cut the squad down to the maximum match day 22.

However a week of torrential rain put paid to the Torrance House pitches and the match, originally a home game, was switched to Troon sparking the familiar scramble to get a squad to travel.

Special mentions for under 18 Eddie Beaton who answered the call to complete the match day XV at half past 11 on Saturday morning and club captain Gareth Jones who volunteered to be the 16th man despite carrying a shoulder injury (Editor’s query - why is he carrying anything, when he has a shoulder injury?).

After a rushed warm up and a few stirring words from club head coach, Allan Steel, who was taking advantage of a rare opportunity to watch the 2XV, the side took to the field. Straight from the kick off, the Marr side pinned EK deep in their own half with quick, clean rucking providing the basis for the expansive rugby synonymous with the Troon club.

EK were penalised after being put under severe pressure in a defensive scrum and the Marr scrum half duly slotted penalty kick, sending the ball between the posts. Score: Marr 3 EK 0.

EK were looking for a quick response and very nearly got one straight from the restart. Fly half Scott Shankie’s perfectly weighted kick was plucked from the air by Andew Kampman and the EK pack rumbled forward. A series of sharp rucks made inroads into the Marr defence only to be foiled illegally by a rogue hand at the breakdown.

Shankie was given the opportunity to level the scores but, unfortunately for EK, his long range strike drifted by the right hand side of the posts and Marr maintained their advantage.

The game was being played at a good tempo with two committed sides running and hitting hard, although poor kicking from hand by both 10s meant neither side gained territorial dominance. Most of the rugby was played in the middle of the park.

It would take a spark of brilliance to cross the whitewash from so far out and Marr found one midway through the half. A lineout off the top was smartly moved to the Marr stand off who cut inside to hold the drifting EK defence.

Quick ball ensued and slick handling from the Marr centres allowed the ball to reach their right wing, one on one with Alex Irvine with space to work in. A quick drop of the shoulder and step left the EK man for dead before the Marr number 14 turned on the afterburners to cruise past fullback Scott Johnston and over the EK line for a try. The Marr scrum half converted the try. Score: Marr 10 EK 0.

Captain Scott Johnston huddled the EK side under the posts during the conversion in an effort to rouse the team to fight back. The words seemed to work as a period of EK pressure followed, the pack gained the upper hand and Marr were forced back into their 22.

After coming close and being held up over the line a couple of times, the Marr defence was finally breached as Ally Dalgleish crashed over the line from short range. Shankie had still not found his kicking boots so no conversion. Score: Marr 10 EK 5.

The rest of the half swung back and forward but there was no further scoring. EK chose the wrong options too often in attack, much to the frustration of the travelling support.

In defence, EK had to thank two forwards - prop Chris Maclellan, for sweeping up when Marr hacked through as full back Scott Johnston was posted missing, and lock Eddie Beaton for a try saving tackle as the Marr right wing threatened to add to his try tally. Half time: Marr 10 EK 5.

A frantic second half followed, after Marr were restored to 15 following a lengthy toilet break for their big second row (Editor suggests too much information!!), and both sides were giving their all in an entertaining game.

EK finally managed to force Marr back. Calum Hastie, a prop playing outside centre, used his sizeable frame to block an attempted Marr clearance. Ian Brown, hacked the ball through and, despite appearing to be running in slow motion, managed to dive on the ball over the Marr line. Shankie converted to put EK in the lead. Score: Marr 10 EK 12.

No quarter was given or asked for throughout the game but sadly it then erupted into what some might call a brawl, but really only an episode of “handbags”. Although there was no real malice, Jason Currie(only after he confessed to his part when an outraged innocent Ian Brown was accused) and a Marr back row were given a yellow card and a ten minute rest.

EK were then offered the chance to stretch their lead as the Marr pack again infringed at the breakdown, and Shankie split the posts. Score: Marr 10 EK 15.

Marr attempted to hit back but the EK defence was resolute and a number of huge hits stopped Marr in their tracks. Andrew Kampman may have misunderstood the idea of huge hits as, in one of the more comical moments of the match, he ran 30 yards to smash his own captain Scott ‘Huge’ Johnston. A case of friendly fire?

The winning margin might have been larger. Eddie Beaton had the embarrassment of dropping the ball over the Marr line while Scott Shankie tried and failed with a drop goal as EK ended the game in the Marr half, comfortably holding on for a win. Final score Marr 10 EK 15.

Man of the Match: Chris O'Neill

EK Team: 15. Scott Johnston; 14. Chris Mullins; 13. Calum Hastie; 12. Ian Brown; 11. Alex Irvine; 10. Scott Shankie; 9. Ross Stewart; 8. Ally Dalgleish; 7. Chris O’Neill; 6. Bruce Beggans; 5. Eddie Beaton; 4. Andy Kampman; 3. Chris McLellan; 2. Jason Currie; 1. Dan Trampenau. Subs: 16. Gareth Jones.