Heriot’s Rugby 23 pts (t 2, c 2, p g 3) v Currie Chieftains 27 pts (t 3, c 3, p g 2)

Heriot’s consistently produce big heavy packs, and you can certainly put money on their lumbering tactics when in the opposition 22. It may not be attractive rugby for biased supporters of teams with lighter forwards, but the results from a formidable scrum and well-rehearsed driving maul can be effective and very rewarding, as Currie have found to their cost on many previous occasions. The signs were ominous when Heriot’s rumbled over for their second try with barely 10 minutes of the match remaining, but the ambitious Chieftains are built of stern stuff, and determination propelled them to a deserved victory.

Goldenacre, on this fresh sunny afternoon was as attractive as ever for the enthusiast of club rugby; sadly, the poor crowd, which was boosted by another match on an adjacent pitch, is a reminder to club administrators that more must be done to get people playing and watching club rugby football union. With spectator numbers of meagre proportions, the Super 6 regime will soon be in financial difficulty.

For most of the first quarter Currie controlled territory and possession, but a well-drilled Heriot’s defence had their measure until Joe Reynolds motored into space and flipped an inside pass to Thomas Gordon for the opening try; Gregor Hunter converted. When Heriot’s were awarded a penalty, for the first of several Currie scrum infringements during the match, it was Ross Jones who opened the home team’s account; this was soon doubled as Heriot’s started to get into gear. Were it not for some crucial tackling by Thomas Gordon, Luke Crosbie and Fraser Watt, and a timely interception by Steven Hamilton when Heriot’s were heading for the try-line, their lead would have been extended.

The visitors also had their chances as they played delightful scintillating rugby that should have produced a try; but when play was called back for a forward pass, fortunes changed. Heriot’s won a series of scrum penalties and worked their way deep into Currie territory. Once again, the heavy equipment was called on, and finally, after some struggle, Jack McClean barged over for a converted try. On the stroke of halftime Currie were awarded a penalty when Heriot’s obstructed; Gregor Hunter kicked a splendid goal from 40 metres out.

Halftime score – Heriot’s 13 pts, Currie Chieftains 10 pts.

Some of the scrum penalties going against Currie looked a little suspect, but nevertheless the visitors were soon defending their line. The rumbling Heriot’s machine was kept at bay by a gallant Currie defence until they were caught offside; Ross Jones kicked the penalty. The Chieftains’ response was emphatic; more fine attacking play had Heriot’s stretched as the ball whizzed across the park. When it looked as if there was no way through, Robbie Nelson knocked over two tacklers and powered a path to the line. The reliable boot of Gregor Hunter converted the try and added a penalty goal a few minutes later when Heriot’s were caught offside.

Although Michael Vernel was magnificent catching re-start ball under pressure, some niggling little mistakes in the team’s performance interrupted flow and slowed progress; but they were high on confidence and ran at every opportunity. A promising overlap looked fruitful, but the ball was knocked down, and Craig Robertson went to the sinbin with 15 minutes remaining. Depleted Heriot’s kept things tight and, following a series of penalties, their pack worked along the touchline, before the proven weapon was again engaged. Despite Currie’s valiant defensive effort, a heap of bodies flopped over the line and Andrew Simmers scored; Ross Jones converted. With only 6 or 7 minutes remaining, and now restored to a full complement of players, it looked as though the home team had done just enough to bag the win; they must have been thinking this way too, and became somewhat casual. The Chieftains

continued to press, with Scott McGinley being tackled just short of the corner flag, but the Heriot’s defence was looking vulnerable. They found difficulty clearing their lines, and a few minutes later the energetic Scott McGinley, assisted by equally boisterous Rhys Davies, who had worked tirelessly throughout the match, contrived a fantastic turnover on halfway. Charlie Shiel, who was involved with the final flowing move on at least 3 occasions, sent Gregor Hunter on his way; Jamie Forbes and Joe Reynolds both added momentum to their angled runs, as the opposition grappled to contain the Currie attack. The scoring pass was taken by Captain Marvel; Robbie Nelson crashed through the last line of resistance to score near the posts; Gregor Hunter had no problem with the conversion which concluded an exhilarating passage of play.

This was an exciting game that contained periods of brilliance from both teams, as well as the mistakes that the combatants would want to forget. The Chieftains require another good performance next weekend against Watsons, if they are to consolidate a top four position for the play-offs. Our visitors from Myreside have the same ambition and will be keen to make an impression at Malleny Park; kick-off time is at 3.00pm. I.J.S, 7.10.18.

Currie Chieftains Team v Heriots

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, Fraser Watt. 2, Graeme Carson. 1, AP McWilliam

16, Campbell Wilson. 17, Matias Argiro. 18, Marc Kelly. 19, Roan Frostwick. 20, Adam Hall.

Match Highlights HERE

Premiership highlights HERE

Images (c) Scottish Rugby / Gary Hutchison SNS Group