Edinburgh Academical FC 15 pts (t 2, c 1, p g 1) v Currie Chieftains 40 pts (t 6, c 5)

Accies have found it difficult acclimatising to life in the Premier League, but the Raeburn Place team have steadily improved as the season has progressed, with some of their recent games getting very close to registering an initial win in the top flight. A large pack and swift adventurous backs, containing a balanced blend of youth and experience, certainly had the measure of a lethargic Chieftains fifteen for 20 minutes. Within a minute of the start, Accies had pounced on a loose ball and with some smart handling appeared to be over the line, but the referee was not satisfied with the grounding, and Currie were saved from an embarrassing situation.

After weathering a couple of dangerous-looking penalty lineouts, where the hosts gifted possession back to the visitors, Currie started to look menacing and motored forward. A quick well-organised Accies defence harassed the Chieftains mercilessly, and frequently the ball was lost in contact. Following one such incident, the loose ball was snapped up by lively scrumhalf Robbie Davis who jinked and dodged his way to the try line. Richard Mill converted the score and soon added a penalty goal as the first quarter ticked by.

The signs were not looking good for the Chieftains who were not functioning at all smoothly, and this aided Accies’ resolve and confidence. But as the autumn sunshine disappeared, the sky darkened, a few large drops of rain fell, and the temperature plummeted; Currie then turned up the heat. Charlie Shiel sent a pass, like a bullet, to the versatile Joe Reynolds who accelerated into space; the stand-off sent Robbie Nelson racing for the line.

Joe Reynolds converted the score and the next try, a few minutes later, when impressive, agile fullback, James McCaig dived in at the corner flag. The Chieftains were now in full cry and had a tiring Accies team desperately running in all directions to plug the gaps. Ben Robbins rounded off a flowing move in which Matthew Hooks and James McCaig were instrumental, for a try that was not converted. The visitors looked to have turned the tables and now had the match under their control.

Halftime Score – Edinburgh Accies 10 pts, Currie Chieftains 19 pts.

Within a few minutes of the re-start Robbie Davis was sent to the sinbin for a deliberate knock-on in his effort to stop another Currie onslaught. Accies now had their backs against the wall as they tried to repel a constant barrage of Chieftains’ attacks. The visitors could do little wrong, playing stylish rugby of the highest order. In a 20-minute purple patch, Michael Vernel, Scott McGinley and Charlie Shiel ran in tries that Joe Reynolds sweetly converted. The Raeburn Place team did not capitulate, but try as they did, they could do little to stop the rampant visitors, who, with better distribution and passes that should have connected, could have had an even bigger haul.

With a 30-point lead, Currie emptied their bench. Play now became mainly confined to the mid-field area. Although it was very exciting adventurous rugby that both teams dished up for the final 15 minutes, with flair, speed and clinical tackling, especially from Adam Hall, Campbell Wilson and the Currie back row, it did not let either team break through the defensive barrier. In two or three passes the ball went from one touchline to the other, 7s style; Thomas Gordon, Rhys Davies, Graham Carson and Marc Kelly were quickly over the ball, as indeed their opposite numbers were as well. Occasionally a dangerous-looking break took play into one or other of the 22s, but it was Accies, who finished with a flourish. A powerful run from Robbie Chalmers, delivered a well-deserved try; although the conversion and further possible scoring eluded them. It must only be a matter of time before Accies ‘click’ for the full 80 minutes and get that all-important victory under the belt.

Despite the enforced team reshuffle for injuries, this was another tremendous Chieftains performance, especially from the pack, particularly Michael Vernel, Marc Kelly, Rhys Davies and Graham Carson who worked tirelessly against experienced and big opposition. The League does not get any easier as next weekend we are away to another underachieving club – Boroughmuir. The Meggetland outfit are, no doubt, still smarting from the drubbing they received at Malleny Park back in September. They too have a big pack and their accomplished backs have been running in the tries. This promises to be a tight, tough outing; kick-off 3.00pm. I.J.S – 28.10.18.

Currie Chieftains team v Edinburgh Accies

15, James McCaig. 14, Ben Robbins. 13, Matthew Hooks. 12, Robbie Nelson. 11, Steven Hamilton.

10, Joe Reynolds. 9, Charlie Shiel. 8, Scott McGinley. 7, Thomas Gordon. 6, Rhys Davies.

5, Michael Vernel. 4, Marc Kelly 3, Fraser Watt. 2, Graham Carson. 1, Matias Argiro.

16, Campbell Wilson. 17, AP McWilliam. 18, Wallace Nelson. 19, Roan Frostwick. 20, Adam Hall.

Premiership Highlights HERE

Photography (c) John Williamson -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/photosportsman?fbclid=IwAR1-ux6WJK0UmvqIl_27e5P1toQ3aVk31q9Mzdsw_Hbl_0CJBlKNIhvrSzQ