After a surprising mid-season flop in form, Marr have pulled things around and are now in contention for a play-off place with an impressive winning run. A victory at Malleny Park would cement their top four position and possibly put the Chieftains’ expectations of a home semi-final match in jeopardy.

A strong opening spell from the home fifteen could not penetrate beyond Marr’s 5-metres line, and the 10-minute barrage, which was accompanied by the visitors’ stout defence, and a rising penalty count, eventually ended when Jamie Forbes took the points. This was small consolation for Currie’s early pressure, and the confidence that the visitors gained from this rearguard action soon became evident. A well-taken penalty kick brought play close to the Currie goal line, and Marr took full advantage of the attacking position. They patiently went through the phases, and stretched Currie’s resources with swift, accurate passing which culminated in a splendid corner flag try; an equally superb conversion added the extras.

This score was somewhat against the run of play, but the Chieftains’ resilience shone through. For the rest of the half, they were rarely out of opposition territory as Rhys Davies, Ryan Stewart and the beefy frame of Cairn Ramsey carried the ball towards the opposition goal line. James McCaig nearly scored in the left corner following some fine running from Adam Hall and DJ Innes, but the Chieftains were again frustrated by a well-organised, rugged defence who consistently slowed the ball.

On 30 minutes, when the first drops of rain began to fall, which had been forecast, gaps started to appear; Gregor Christy and Jamie Forbes both made sniping breaks, but eventually the overlap materialised. James McCaig scooted around to his opposite wing for the final pass, and he raced to the corner for a terrific try which was not converted. The Chieftains continued to keep their gritty opponents under the cosh, with precise positional kicking from Jamie Forbes and Charlie Brett, plus the physicality needed to match Marr’s aggressive, intimidating defensive play. Will Inglis and Ally McCallum ruled the lineout, causing several turnovers during the contest, and the team’s efforts were well supported by the ferreting backrow partnership of Gregor Nelson and Johnny Rutherford at breakdowns. Almost on the stroke of halftime, Marr were yellow-carded for constant infringements, and the Chieftains used their numerical advantage for a scintillating passage of back play; Kody McGovern’s corner flag try was not converted.

Halftime score – Currie Chieftains 13 pts, Marr 7 pts.  

The Chieftains made a positive start to the second half, and they should have cashed in on several Marr errors, but as the wet weather closed in, further excitement and scoring opportunities became sparse. Now with the elements against them, Marr were again pinned to their 22, although several courageous attempts to run from deep caused a degree of anxiety in Currie ranks; a couple of gallant efforts were repelled by an equally resolute Currie defence.

The visitors heroically kept their goal line intact, denying the home team until well into the final quarter, but the cultured boot of Jamie Forbes left Marr needing two scores for a result, after he kicked a couple of penalties. It was a tight gruelling match, and the Chieftains needed this result to erase the spectre of Marr’s last visit to Malleny for the play-off final. With a number of league fixtures still to be played, that fourth play-off spot has yet to be decided, but the Chieftains are now guaranteed a home play-off semi-final.

Rearranged fixtures at this stage in the season can cause controversy, and it was unfortunate that the Chieftains ‘A’ team faced a suspiciously strong Accies side at Raeburn Place. The travellers did very well, only just losing to an outfit intent on Reserve League honours this season.

I.J.S. - 9.2.23.

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