Currie Chieftains 32 pts (t 4, c 3, p 2) v Boroughmuir RFC 19 pts (t 3, c2)

The warm but overcast day suggested that autumn had arrived as the new rugby season got underway. With the recent SRU shenanigans still a hot topic of conversation, it was good to let club rugby, the life-blood of the game in Scotland, become the focus of attention, and this local derby provided exciting entertainment that did not disappoint a vibrant crowd.

Conditions were perfect for a fast, free-flowing match, and these aspirations were confirmed as the Chieftains tested a resolute ‘Muir defence that showed the ability and speed to counter-attack on several occasions. The set-piece would prove another interesting factor with both teams having a clutch of professionals in their respective packs. From a cleanly taken Chieftains’ lineout, the ball shot to Robbie Nelson who exploited a gap, engaged two tacklers and made space for Ben Robbins to gallop 25 metres for the goal line; Gregor Hunter converted.

The home team were in lively mode and soon had the visitors scrambling across the pitch to stop the swarming attackers just short of the try line. A hat-full of uncharacteristic Currie errors in the first half prevented progress and gifted the opposition opportunities which they eagerly converted into points to remain close on the heels of their hosts. In the first of these raids, after fifteen minutes of play, ‘Muir went from their own 22 to the other end. The visitors’ handling was crisp, quick and penetrating. It finished with lock forward, Callum Atkinson taking a sweet little inside pass from Chris Laidlaw; he strolled over from 5 metres for the try: Laidlaw converted.

Within five minutes the Chieftains had resumed the lead through sparkling attacking rugby that had ‘Muir stretched. The impressive Steven Hamilton could not quite reach an ambitious pass that was well worthy of a corner flag score, but when Luke Crosbie lined up with the backs, he splendidly brushed aside tacklers on his 15-metre burst for the line: Gregor Hunter converted. Currie should have added to their try count, but those niggling little errors continued. ‘Muir were tackling like demons, pouncing and punishing any mistakes, this soon had them back on terms. As Charlie Shiel threw a long looping pass to a three-man overlap that had try written all over it, he did not see Jordan Edmunds sprinting forward; the alert wing leapt to intercept the pass and careered 60 metres for a try that Chris Laidlaw converted from wide out. The halftime score was a little disappointing from the Chieftains’ perspective, but of more concern was the loss of influential hooker, Fergus Scott with a serious arm injury.

Halftime Score – Currie Chieftains 14 pts, Boroughmuir 14 pts.

Despite enforced changes to the Currie pack, fifteen-man rugby was still the fare on offer. The home side rampaged deep into ‘Muir territory and a score looked ominous. The dynamic Reece Patterson went close as the hosts continued to pepper the opposition line, but once again a spirited rear-guard action held out and ‘Muir started to click and turn the screw at the other end; it was their best period of the match. They made progress down the right wing with some slick passing. Rory Drummond, who remained a threat throughout the game, did the hard yards and was ably assisted by hooker, Johnny Matthews who scored in the corner. The conversion was missed but the visitors most definitely had the upper hand as they gained confidence and became even more adventurous trying to extend their lead.

The Chieftains steadily regained control with thoughtful robust defensive play which held the fired-up visitors at bay. Gregor Hunter was magnificent, putting in some tough tackles on the ‘Muir backrow. The defensive kicking of both himself and Charlie Shiel frustrated opposition ambition. It was not until the final quarter of the game that Currie’s fast-up tackling caused ‘Muir some problems and a degree of panic; Joe Reynolds, Michael Vernel, Scott McGinley and Thomas Gordon were hitting ball carriers hard.

When the ball popped out of a ruck, the hard-working Greg Peterson scooped a pass to Joe Reynolds who scooted down the stand side touchline; his precise inside pass to the ever-present Luke Crosbie, saw the big number 6 evade tacklers and race for the line. Gregor Hunter converted and then added a penalty goal a few minutes later; this followed a wonderful break from Thomas Gordon who split the opposition defence, now looking a little desperate, especially after a Joe Reynolds cover tackle had thwarted a ‘Muir breakout.

The outcome of the match was put beyond doubt in the closing stages when the Chieftains skilfully kept possession and moved the ball. Although the visitors defended admirably, when mercurial full back, Jamie Forbes gave a classic ‘show and go,’ he sailed through the gap to secure a Currie bonus point. Gregor Hunter’s conversion kick hit the post, but he sealed his classy performance with another penalty goal moments later. This was an excellent start for the Malleny team who had to front up against a seasoned Meggetland outfit who were clearly disappointed; they expected a different outcome. The Chieftains have another hard fixture next weekend away at Ayr; KO 3.00pm. I.J.S, 2.9.18.