Currie Chieftains 42 pts (t 6 c 6) v Hawick 7 pts (t1 c1)

Considering that Hawick have yet to register a win, and the pasting they took at Meggetland last weekend, on paper this third round match looked to be a comparatively straightforward task for the Chieftains. But a wounded Borders beast should never be underestimated, and for nearly an hour of the contest, that was the case. The visitors played with spirit and determination; had the match been at Mansfield Park, the Chieftains’ resolve would have been severely tested. Currie should have been out of sight by the break, were it not for at least 6 unlucky errors within touching distance of the try line - a foot in touch, losing control of the ball, held up over the line, several forward passes and knock-ons, these all contributed to a frustrating first 40 for the Malleny team and their supporters, although full credit must go to the ‘Greens’ whose tackling was ferocious and defence magnificently organised.

It was well into the second quarter of the game before Hawick got anywhere near the Chieftains’ 22, and their battling muscular forwards did fancy their chances. The first few rolling mauls were repelled, but they kept applying the pressure that finally led to a penalty lineout out, and pushover try for prop, Pietro Ceccarelli; Kyle Brunton’s fine touchline kick converted the score. With halftime imminent, Currie regrouped and punished a Hawick mistake, quickly turning defence into attack. Campbell Wilson and Graeme Carson got the ball moving through the back line and Jamie Forbes stepped on the gas; he raced into space and his perfectly timed pass provided Ben Robbins clear passage to the line; Gregor Hunter converted.

Halftime score – Currie Chieftains 7pts, Hawick 7pts

The second half started with Currie adding a little brightness to the cloudy grey afternoon. A slick well-rehearsed lineout had Michael Vernel, A P McWilliam and Thomas Gordon combining for a clever try that did not require the usual arm wrestle; Thomas Gordon’s crafty score was converted by Gregor Hunter. Hawick came right back and caught Currie off-side. The resulting penalty lineout was secured by the ‘Greens’, but a thumping Joe Reynolds tackle, on his opposite number, reversed possession. Ben Robbins delivered a long pass to Joe Reynolds who was unmarked; the centre accelerated 50 metres down the left wing, and his inside pass saw Ben Robbins racing in from 20 metres; Gregor Hunter converted the try.

Hawick had plenty of possession and frequently made ground, but they always met a solid Chieftains defence; if Fraser Watt, Michael Vernel, Rhys Davies and the dynamic Scott McGinley had not been at their disruptive best, it would have been hard to contain the ‘Greens’ ambitions, and Currie’s lead would have been overhauled. The visitors beefy lock Daniel Suddon did crash over, but he lost control before the ball was grounded. After Roan Frostwick’s smoother tackle effected a turnover, the nimble scrumhalf launched a classy attack. His well-timed pass, inside the Currie 22, gave Ben Robbins space to maneuverer down the stand-side touchline; just as the cover defence closed in, the scrumhalf was on hand to receive the return pass. It looked as if his 50-metre dash would make the goal line, but he was caught 5 metres out, however not before popping a pass to Ben Robbins, who had shadowed him on the lengthy run that finished under the posts. Gregor Hunter converted the try that knocked the stuffing out of the plucky ‘Green’ machine.

Three tries had come from deep inside the Chieftains’ half, and Ben Robbins was to add two more to his tally from similar positions. A magical chip over the advancing defence bounced kindly into the chasing wing’s arms, and there was no stopping his run for another converted try. With ten minutes remaining, Hawick tried to unlock the Malleny defence with some risky adventurous play that really didn’t get them far. When Ben Robbins intercepted a long speculative pass that was aimed at a two man overlap, he raced away for his fifth try. Gregor Hunter again added the extras to complete a flawless afternoon with the boot.

This was a splendid hard-fought victory that demonstrated the Chieftains’ commitment and intent especially after the disappointments of the first half when they did not get the breaks they deserved. The pack led by Michael Vernel and Rhys Davies remained focused against a strong Hawick eight who were clearly on a mission and wanted to erase the horrors of the previous weekend.

Currie are away at Bridgehaugh next weekend, KO 3.00pm. Stirling County have made an impressive start to the new season and this will be another formidable test if the Chieftains are to consolidate their League position.

I.J.S, 16.9.18

Currie Chieftains team v Hawick – 15.9.18

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

10 Gregor Hunter, 9 Charlie Shiel, 8 Scott McGinley, 7 Thomas Gordon, 6 Luke Crosbie, 5 Michael Vernel,

4 Rhys Davies, 3 A P McWilliam, 2 Graeme Carson, 1 Reece Patterson

16 Campbell Wilson, 17 Fraser Watt, 18 Marc Kelly, 19Roan Frostwick, 20 Adam Hall

Photography (c) Fraser Gaffney Photography

Match Highlights here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyLQu7JWgck