A View from the Touchline – Scottish Premier League; 5.10.19

Currie Chieftains 31 pts (t 4, c 4, p g 1) v Edinburgh Academical FC 12 pts (t 2, c 1)

The weather forecasters were spot-on; the dull misty afternoon soon turned into steady rain, and on an already soft sodden pitch, conditions were not ideal for the Chieftains’ expansive style of play. Like Currie, Accies are also in the process of rebuilding their team; but this extends beyond their playing squad and to their historic home at Raeburn Place. No doubt the development of their North Edinburgh facilities will stand the Club in good stead for the future, but at present they are on the road for every match; not the easiest of situations for their young and improving team, although they appear to be coping very well. The Chieftains would have to step up from the poor patches of their previous outing if they were to glean anything from this Edinburgh derby.

Coaches Mark Cairns and Alistair Donaldson were confident that last week’s unwelcome experience would add mettle to their young team’s performance, and in the first five minutes their expectations were justified. Accies saw little of the ball and were battling to defend their line, as Steven Hamilton, Graeme Carson and Wallace Nelson went close. Accies managed to clear their lines and kept the momentum going forward with a couple of exciting, good old-fashioned kick-and-chase moves all the way to the Currie 5-metre line. Gregor Christie, who was impressively lively throughout, scampered back to save any embarrassment, and he efficiently cleared the danger.

Currie continued to press, but the Accies’ defence was pretty solid, and they found it exceedingly difficult to shake off the Chieftains’ strangle hold. A fine run from Cammy Meager down the left wing, ended with Currie driving over the line; unfortunately, the ball was held up. The resulting 5-metre scrum soon sorted the stalemate; Wallace Nelson controlled the ball at the back of the scrum before he picked up and crashed in for the try; Adam Hall converted.

Into the second quarter and Currie kept the pressure on, barely allowing Accies any time on the ball and restricting their counter-attacking options. Hamish Ferguson secured the lineout, with Gregor Christie, Adam Hall, Steven Hamilton and Matias Argiro progressing operations with some stylish play that saw Fergus Scott breaking the line to score. Adam Hall converted to give Currie a useful lead.

Halftime score – Currie Chieftains 17 pts, Accies 0 pts.

The continuing rain, and increasingly difficult conditions did not bode well for attractive rugby after the break, but the re-energised visitors made the most of their early opportunities. A considerable forward effort had the Chieftains going backwards and conceding penalties, which the visitors pumped towards the corner flag. A fine lineout catch and driving maul had Accies motoring for the Currie line; after a couple of phases Clement Lacour used his considerable bulk to knock defenders aside and score. Jamie Loomes had no trouble with the conversion which certainly gave extra encouragement to his team and their travelling support.

Thankfully, the Accies revival was contained by some equally industrious activity from the Chieftains, and they were soon back in the visitors’ red zone. If it was not for excellent Accies defending, Currie’s lead would have been extended, but the deteriorating conditions were taking their toll on the performance of both teams. There were mistakes aplenty, and Currie’s penalty count was rising. The enterprising visitors also had their demons, and the match became something of a mid-field struggle until the final ten minutes when the home team started to dominate.

Until this stage, it looked as if any chance of a try bonus point had slipped away on the greasy surface, and an error could also let Accies back into the game. A series of lofted Accies kicks were well fielded by

Charlie Brett, who returned them with interest. Now camped in the opposition 22, the Chieftains overwhelmed an Accies scrum, and the resulting penalty was quickly taken by Gregor Christie. The sprightly scrumhalf darted for the goal line, but he was stopped just short; some robust rucking followed, before Currie’s try-scoring hooker completed the task. Fergus Scott’s try was converted by Adam Hall.

With only minutes remaining it looked as if time would be played out in a benign end-of-match manner; not a bit of it. Charlie Brett charged down the stand-side touchline and kicked ahead into space. A gaggle of players from both teams chased the ball which was held up over the line. From the five-metre scrum the Currie back row drove hard for the goal line, but the Accies defensive wall stood firm. Finally, Gregor Christie sent an accurate pass into the hands of Graeme Carson, who, with Matias Argiro on his shoulder, barged over for the try.

When Adam Hall converted the try, most of the crowd thought that this would be the end of the match. Accies had other ideas, and to their credit they purposefully moved the ball along their backline. Centre, Robert Wilson broke a tackle and hurtled through the gap; his perfect pass gave Jacob Adamson a clear run for the line. With a thought of doing the same thing again, Jamie Loomes attempted a quick drop goal conversion, but his kick fell short, and the referee decided that time was now up.

A workman-like performance from the Chieftains, who had the confidence and stamina to once again bag the try bonus point. With this spirit and attitude, they should be near or at the top of the Premier League at the critical end of the season. Next weekend the Chieftains are away to Glasgow Hawks, old rivals who always provide strong opposition, especially at their home ground.

I.J.S - 6.10.19.

Currie Team – 15 Charlie Brett, 14 Cammy Meager, 13 Steven Hamilton, 12 Adam Hall,

11 Archie MacLean, 10 Cammy Scott, 9 Gregor Christie, 8 Hamish Ferguson, 7 Wallace Nelson,

6 Josh O’Brien, 5 Michael Vernel, 4 Matt Poole, 3 Matias Argiro, 2 Fergus Scott, 1 Graeme Carson.

Bench – 16 Grant Williamson, !8 Cairn Ramsay, 19 Cameron Lessels 20 Fraser Sayers, Alex Harley.

Match Officials – Referee David Sutherland, AR 1 Ross Mabon, AR 2 Bob Nevis.

Photography (c) Ian Gidney