Currie Chieftains 37 pts (t6, c 2, p g 1) v Heriot’s Rugby 32 pts (t 5, c2, p g 1)

Some drier weather had been a pleasant change, and the first Saturday in December was bright, although a wee bit chilly, which could be expected for this time of the year. Heriot’s had recorded several good performances in recent weeks, and their improving status would supply strong opposition for a Malleny team still experiencing injury problems. Early Chieftains play looked a little hesitant, especially at the breakdown which the visitors dominated. A rising penalty count did not help the Currie cause, and Heriot’s got the scoreboard rolling with a successful shot on goal. This was shortly followed by a perfect cross-field kick to the unmarked right wing; unopposed he strolled in for a corner-flag try which was not converted.

After some desperate Currie defence, another worrying Heriot’s attack was halted 5 metres out. It was 20 minutes before the home team managed to organise any sort of threat in the visitors’ 22. A Gregor Christie chip-and-chase culminated in a fine try for Ryan Southern, after Greg Cannie, Cairn Ramsay, Josh O’Brien and Kyle Steel had all added momentum to the move; Sam Letto converted. On 30 minutes the Chieftains were again putting their opponents under pressure, and from a clever lineout, Kyle Steel took the Michael Vernel catch and passed inside to Ryan Stewart for a spectacular try which was not converted. Just before the break, Heriot’s worked a series of driving mauls which gained considerable territory and was finally brought to ground illegally; Chris Anderson went to the sinbin for collapsing. The visitors showed some style as they exploited gaps in the stretched Currie defence to score a converted try and retake the lead.

Halftime score – Currie Chieftains 12 pts, Heriot’s 13 pts.

There was a dynamic start to the second half; Greg Cannie gathered a high ball on his 10-metre line and waltzed his way through a sleepy defence to put Iain Sim over in the corner. The difficult conversion was missed, but a few minutes later Adam Hall slotted a penalty. The contest was providing plenty of excellent entertainment, with possession and territory equally divided. As the final quarter loomed, excitement mounted with both teams giving the ball plenty of air. Currie were now blending well and looking comfortable, especially after Cairn Ramsay careered over from 25 metres out for the bonus point try. Even with a 2-score deficit, Heriot’s were in no mood to capitulate, and for the next 10 minutes they exposed frailties in the Chieftains’ defence, scoring a couple of tries and closing the gap to just 2 points.

Visions of the previous week’s finale flashed through many minds, but quick handling and a little Currie magic brought relief. Adam Hall’s unconverted try, which followed penetrating carries from Cammy Meager, Michael Vernel, Jack Duncan and Paddy Bowyer eased the anxiety. The Chieftains continued to press, and with only minutes remaining, Adam Hall’s long accurate pass gave Cammy Meager space to romp for the line. Once again, the 12-point gap looked sufficient, and the crowd predicted the final whistle at any moment. Before it came however, Heriot’s had galloped to the other end for a thrilling converted try, and the nerve-biting tension continued. When Michael Vernel went off injured, the situation looked grim, but Ewan Stewart remained resolute. The determined visitors were finishing on a high, and they kept hold of the ball, mounting attacks which went closer and closer to the Currie goal line. In a desperate final frenzy, Heriot’s knocked on; the sigh of relief was palpable from those in yellow and black.

The Chieftains play G.H.A in Glasgow next weekend, and the ‘A’ team is also away. For those who cannot travel, we need to go back to the old system with a senior home fixture every weekend to keep the clubhouse busy; surely this is not beyond the wit of the league planners. On Saturday 17th December the Club has its Annual Christmas Lunch, and the Chieftains play Marr at Malleny; this should be a Christmas cracker, Ho, Ho, Ho!

I.J.S. - 4.12.22.

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