Talking points from round nine of the Tennent’s Premiership

Nine tries – with the bonus point in the bag after only fifteen minutes – pace and precision all over the park – but Craig Redpath thought Marr were only 75 percent of the way to of their full potential against Aberdeen Grammar at Fullarton Park. Opposing coach, Ali O’Connor took a different view: ‘electric’ was how he saw them. Conor Bickerstaff is a class act – and Colin Sturgeon kicked eight conversions out of nine attempts. Home to Jed next week.

Nine tries for Currie Chieftains as well – against Musselburgh at Malleny. Good to watch – solid set-piece – tactical control and variation, orchestrated as usual by Gregor Hunter – hard running and crisp hands from backs and forwards alike, with Mike Vernel very much to the fore. It is going to be some game against Marr at Malleny on 14th December.

A hard days work for a short-handed Aberdeen Grammar against Marr. They were on the ropes, 40-7 down, at half time – but hung in doggedly to keep it relatively respectable – and can reflect wistfully on Tom Aplin’s exceptional 70-yard interception try. They need a result away to Edinburgh Accies next week – and will be desperate to get both Robin Cessford and Nathan Brown back to full fitness.

Another impressive showing from Hawick against Jed at Mansfield – two bonus point wins on the trot – and a clean-sheet to boot. The play-offs are now well within their grasp – as even the taciturn George Graham is now prepared to grudgingly acknowledge.

Another one that got away for GHA against Selkirk at Braidholm. The late withdrawal of Charlie Lonnergan and Euan McLaren did not help – but their real problem lay in a couple of badly missed tackles and too many needless penalties. Every game counts from now on in so far as the play-offs are concerned – but Chieftains at Malleny next week is a big ask.

This weekend’s Premiership reports:

Marr v Aberdeen Grammar: league-leaders recapture their mojo

Having gradually worked their way through a sticky start to the season, Glasgow Hawks played confidently for their bonus point win over Edinburgh Accies at Balgray. Boosted by two early tries they defended strongly and Max Priestly on the wing threatened danger every time he got near the ball. The play-offs are now a realistic proposition – but much will depend on next week’s home match against Selkirk.

Not a great result for Edinburgh Accies against Hawks – sluggish start, slack defence, too many mistakes – but no doubt looking forward to their first home game of the season next week.

Jed-Forest failed to turn up for their derby match with Hawick – but Michael Weekley still managed to pick up their 12th yellow card of the season. When are they going to take on board how much more difficult a game rugby is when you are playing with fourteen men?

Disappointment for Musselburgh against Chieftains after their excellent home win against GHA last week. Under pressure physically, they struggled to make any imprint on the game – but as Graeme Paterson said that game is done – now they need to dust themselves down and move on – although it doesn’t get any easier with an in-form Hawick awaiting them at Mansfield next week.

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