A Viewfrom the Touchline: Premier League – 12.11.22

CurrieChieftains 34 pts (t5, c 3, p g 1) v MusselburghRFC 5 pts (t 1)

The continuing mild weather, and a lush green Malleny pitchbelied the fact that it was almost mid-November; and even warmer than when theChieftains last played at home 4 weeks ago. Irrespective of league standings,and whatever a final score line may show, local rivalry tends to bring the bestout of an always competitive Musselburgh fifteen. This encounter was noexception, especially after the visitors had recently beaten the currentPremiership Champions.

During the opening exchanges, Musselburgh were much thelivelier and quicker to any breakdowns. Their solid boisterous start produced several turnovers, which eventually led to awell-deserved, but unconverted try after five minutes. Formost of the first quarter they effectively stifled any Currie ambitions withfine tackling, and their pacy backs looked dangerous in attack. ChristianTownsend did kick a penalty goal, but other scoring opportunities were wellpoliced by a water-tight defence.

On the half hour the Chieftains clicked into gear with a periodof flowing rugby which knocked the stuffing out oftheir tenacious battling opponents. Charlie Brett was back to hisscintillating, elusive best with deceptive running that opened the way forthree glorious tries. Currie were building pressure, and when Will Inglispilfered a Musselburgh throw-in 10 metres out, the pack drove forward.Musselburgh’s dogged defence initially held, but slick Currie passing putCharlie Brett in at the corner for an unconverted try.

From the restart Rhys Davies and Michael Vernel made groundfor the Currie backs to continue an exciting passage of play in front of thestand. After twice exchanging passes with Charlie Brett, the experienced JamieForbes accelerated for the goal line with the visitors’ back division in his wake.As halftime loomed, there was still time for Christian Townsend to show a turnof speed down the right flank; his perfect inside pass to Kody McGovern gavethe flying wing just enough space to score under the post. The versatilestand-off is proving quite an asset; he kicked both conversions to give theChieftains a comfortable lead. Unfortunately, Jamie Forbes who was lookingsharp after his recent lay-off, had to retire before the break.

Halftime score – Currie Chieftains 22 pts, Musselburgh 5 pts.

The visitors made a strong start to the second half and wentclose to scoring. A fine Chieftains defensive effort, especially from RhysDavies and Ewan Stewart, kept the energetic Musselburgh team at bay. Following10 minutes of pressure the tide turned. Play moved to safer territory after DJInnes delivered a crucial turnover in the Currie 22, and the visitors receiveda yellow card. A poor Musselburgh clearance kick allowed Josh O’Brien to securethe resulting lineout. Several forward charges followed, before Paddy Boyerspun the ball wide to Ryan Southerns. The now fit again utility backbrilliantly danced through the covering defensive traffic for the bonus pointscore; Christian Townsend again added the extras.

Musselburgh were never out of the contest, and they continuedto pose questions for a Currie team who lost their captain to the sinbin on 55minutes. Too often the visitors messed up when ascore looked possible, and the increasing number of stoppages disruptedcontinuity for both teams. The match degenerated into a rather ragged affairduring the final 15 minutes, but eventually the Chieftains’ competitive edgereturned with a fine attacking move. Charlie Brett joined the line, wiggled hiships, dummied and stepped through a tackle on his way to an unconverted scorein the corner. Although a fifth try added a cherry to the Chieftains’ cake, itdid little to reflect the true nature of a hard-fought game that was decided bysmall margins. As suggested earlier, Musselburgh was a tough team to break down,and if they continue to play with the passion shown at Malleny Park, theyshould start climbing the league table. There is an early 1.15pm kick-off nextweekend, when Currie entertain high-flying Edinburgh Accies.  

I.J.S. - 15.11.22.                        

‍