Hawick RFC 9 pts (p g 3) v Currie Chieftains 3 pts (p g 1)

The Border country is a beautiful place, but not for the weak-hearted on a cold, raw, murky winter afternoon, especially at Hawick RFC. Even before the kick-off, as a damp gloomy mist enveloped Mansfield Park, the omens were not good; with a greasy surface, and the light fading fast, conditions looked ideal for a typically rumbustious Hawick ‘smash and grab’ job, that can undo any visiting rugby team.

The Chieftains got off to an impressive start that looked certain to bring an early score. Robbie Nelson powered a 25-metre path through the middle of the Hawick defence, which was eventually halted just 5 metres short of the try line. A combination of some tenacious tackling and the ball being surrendered after several phases, allowed the ‘Greens’ to clear the early danger, but only temporarily. For almost 15 minutes the Chieftains camped in the opposition 22; near the goal line or over it, somehow the ‘Greens’ kept them out. It was looking very much like the Meggetland fiasco of a few weeks ago, where the dominant Chieftains could not convert pressure into points. Looking comfortable and dictating terms, the Chieftains opted for a number of penalty lineouts, rather than a kick at goal and almost certain points; unfortunately, this proved to be a mistake, as on every occasion Hawick’s marauding tactics, frustrated any of the visitors’ ambitions.

A burst of acceleration from Joe Reynolds down the stand side touchline, set Ben Robbins free from halfway, but once again a splendid tackle cut him down just short of the line, and another chance was lost. Nearly 25 minutes had passed before Hawick got into the Currie 22, but when they did, they reaped the reward and came away with points. Lee Armstrong’s reliable boot slotted a couple of penalty goals to give his team a rather surprising lead which gave them an extra lift just before the break, and which Currie did well to repel. When a third penalty kick hit the post and ricocheted back on to the field of play, the ‘Greens’ swarmed all over it and caused mayhem for Currie, who appeared slow to react. The visitors fortunately held on, and there was no further scoring before the break.

Halftime score – Hawick 6 pts, Currie Chieftains 0 pts.

Considering that they had their backs against the wall for most of the first half, Hawick must have been delighted with their slender lead and the way they finished the half; their coach, no doubt, demanded more of the same, and that is what they certainly achieved for the majority of the second period. Within 5 minutes they had Currie by the throat, and when ever the visitors infringed, and there appeared to be some ‘dark arts’ causing problems at scrum-time, there was no question of another kick at goal. The first two attempts went wide, but as Currie struggled to gain any momentum and get out of their 22, the mistakes and penalty count rose; full-back Ali Weir belted over a long-range penalty goal to extend Hawick’s lead. The dark, dank conditions and continuing misty rain only added to a feeling of despondency for those in the Chieftains’ camp.

For the next 20 minutes, the protagonists first half roles were completely reversed, and Currie had to face up to a ferocious Hawick onslaught that was gritty and had a bit of ‘coarse rugby’ ethics about it; but this was ideal for the conditions, which gave them a very good return. Almost every time that Currie ventured into Hawick territory, Lee Armstrong pegged them back with frustrating precision kicks deep in to the Chieftains’ 22, and the visitors had to start all over again. It was not until the final 10 minutes that Currie had control again, and although they went over the line on several occasions, the referee could not see a clear grounding and the frustration continued.

It was only when the clock was rapidly ticking towards no-side, and the ’Greens’ were resorting to desperate measures in order to prevent any score, that they conceded a penalty in front of the posts.

Gregor Hunter quite rightly took the points which at least secured a losing bonus point for the Chieftains who, it is hoped, learn something from another miserable outing to Mansfield Park.

It is accepted that matches in the Borders are not easy affairs, particularly at Hawick, for so many years the bastion of Scottish rugby, but for a team that is rebuilding and sitting low in the Premiership, they certainly did do a job on Currie; their scramble defence was quickly in Currie’s face and they did not allow the visitors any time on the ball, the loose forwards pounced on anything that moved, continually harassing and causing mischief. The conditions did not help the visitors, but that was to be expected and perhaps some tactical adjustments could have made a difference. This is now all water under the bridge, a painful experience, but hopefully the 4 away matches that the team has lost will focus minds – ‘to do better next time.’

Next weekend The Chieftains are at home to Stirling County, they will need to be in top gear to get any return from this young, improving team who give little away, as Currie found to their cost earlier in the season. This is the last home Premier League match before Christmas, and the Club is hoping for a big turnout as the festive season draws near; kick-off is at 2.30 pm. I.J.S – 3.12.18.

Currie Chieftains Team v Hawick – 1.12.18.

15, Jamie Forbes. 14, Ben Robbins. 13 Joe Reynolds. 12, Robbie Nelson. 11, Steven Hamilton.

10, Gregor Hunter. 9, Roan Frostwick. 8, Scott McGinley. 7, Thomas Gordon. 6, Marc Kelly.

5, Michael Vernel. 4, Vince Wright. 3, Matias Argiro. 2 Fergus Scott. 1, AP Mc William.

16, Graham Carson. 17, Reece Patterson. 18, Rhys Davies. 19, Gregor Christie. 20, Adam Hall.

Photography (c) Ian Gidney