MARR'S results have improved a little since their opening 52-12 defeat at home by Lasswade, winning three matches since then, but nonetheless they are now languishing second from bottom.

This result is not therefore unexpected but for the purists it was not as tidy and convincing performance by the league leaders as their support has come to expect of them.

Not least of the concerns was the allowing of two fairly soft tries in the second half which on both occasions had the visitors within a converted try of at least a draw.

On the alternative view, even when playing less well (badly, even) the Hawthornden squad managed a five-try, bonus point win.

The hosts opted to kick off into the fairly stiff and chilly wind and were immediately pressuring. Soutar darted over the line under the posts in five minutes from a fairly straightforward feed from a No.8 pick up. Reid converted and a substantial win seemed to be on the cards.

Marr had other ideas, however, and got close enough to the posts in the next five minutes to take advantage of the ref's attention to detail and for McGee to snatch back two well taken penalties.

On the quarter hour Lasswade earned a five-metre scrum and a double switch play at centre gave Durie the angle to add the second try under the posts for an easy Reid conversion.

Using the wind for territory Marr were able to close the gap again almost immediately when McGee converted a deliberate knock-on to three points.

Most of the second quarter was played between the 22s and Lasswade struggled at times to contain the Marr stand-off and centres as well as almost giving away an interception try.

The half closed, however, with Lasswade on top and a tap penalty close to the Marr line was moved quickly to Billingham in the centre to barge over for another straightforward conversion and a half time score of 21-9.

From the second half restart Marr again cut this lead when the first of replacements received the kick-off, made the first breaks and released Lockie at centre to weave in from 50 metres brushing off a couple of weak tackles along the way but forced to ground the ball outwith McGee's kicking range.

Somewhat stung, the home side responded with some strong plays led by Reid and soon forced another penalty close to the line. Tapped rather hastily, a few individual drives were needed before Jamie Elliot dived into the corner for the bonus point try.

Marr still didn't capitulate and continued to share territory in spite of the worst of the elements.

They were rewarded on the hour when a lineout deep in the home 22 was followed by some slick handling along their back line for Little to barge over in the opposite corner for a 26-19 scoreline.

The final result remained in doubt as the two teams exchanged drives, breaks and mistakes in the middle ground.

Then, with 10 minutes to go, one of several breaks by Reid unexpectedly set Turnbull up for a long run to the posts with the last two defenders flailing unsuccessfully at his ankles. Reid's conversion stretched the lead to the more comfortable, and final, 33-19.

Lasswade continue unbeaten and, since the next five chasing clubs continue to share wins fairly evenly, the gap between first and second has extended further to 19 points.

Lasswade will still want to improve on this last winning performance even though their opponents for the away game this Saturday are at the opposite end of the table.

Grangemouth's only victory has been away to the not inconsiderable Lenzie club so visitors still need to be wary.

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