A View from the Touchline – Premier League: 7.1.23.

Currie Chieftains 34 pts (t 4, c 4, p g 2) v Glasgow Hawks 17 pts (t 2, c 2, p g 1)

Although several days of heavy rain had left the Malleny pitches very soft, a bright sunny afternoon certainly helped ground conditions and encouraged a hearty crowd for this opening match of the New Year. Sitting in the top half of the Premier League, Glasgow Hawks would be eager to confirm their credentials as play-off contenders, and the Chieftains could expect a tough game following the long festive break.

Early Hawks pressure ended when a 5-metre penalty lineout was turned over, but for the next 15 minutes their enthusiastic attacking style matched anything that Currie would offer; however, they could not convert pressure into points when in the opposition red zone. A couple of strong rolling mauls propelled the Chieftains forward, and although the visitors defended well, Currie’s persistent battering finally delivered reward on 30 minutes. Ryan Stewart, Jack Duncan, Chris Anderson and Rhys Davies all went close, but it was Paddy Bowyer’s brilliant dummy and lightning dive for the line that secured the try; Gregor Hunter converted. Unfortunately, the hard-earned points came at a cost, and Currie lost the services of both Chris Anderson and Jack Duncan before the break.

There was also an immediate emphatic response from Hawks who once again went through the phases and pushed for the Chieftains’ line. Despite their best endeavours they were either stopped short by some stout defending, or an unfortunate error, but as halftime neared, the visitors settled for an easy penalty goal. Straight from the restart, Currie gained possession and mounted a classic attack orchestrated by Gregor Hunter. It finished with a gritty performance from the pack, and a try for debutant Jamie Drummond; Gregor Hunter majestically added the extras on the stroke of halftime.

Halftime score – Currie Chieftains 17 pts, Glasgow Hawks 3 pts.

Hawks started the second half showing the same vigour and determination as they did in the first. Within 5 minutes they had scored a converted try; their lively scrumhalf took a quick tap penalty and scampered over the line. Honours remained even for the rest of the contest, particularly in defence where gaps were hard to find. Whenever Hawks coughed up penalties, and the Chieftains were within range of the posts, the immaculate boot of Gregor Hunter took the points. Nearing the end of the third quarter a Currie attack did manage to stretch Hawks’ defence; Kody McGovern stepped out of one tackle and accelerated past two more defenders for a wonderful corner flag finish; Gregor Hunter again converted.

Hawks still showed determination and enterprise with exciting dangerous runs from deep which kept the Chieftains’ back division busy. Solid tackling from Gregor Nelson, Adam Hall and James McCaig, plus astute positional kicking from Charlie Brett and Gregor Hunter kept the attackers in check. Unperturbed by any setbacks, the young Hawks backs eventually broke away from their 22 with a flowing move that resulted in a fine converted try. This certainly added spice to the proceedings, and were it not for a lung-bursting run from Gregor Christy to prevent another Hawks try, the finish could have been far tighter.

With the light fading, and some heavy showers now making the surface rather treacherous, it looked as if mistakes would decide the outcome. Play traversed the length of the pitch, but the slippery ball proved difficult to control. When the Chieftains pack made progress into the visitors’ 22, experienced Gregor Christie spotted an opportunity 10 metres out; he slipped through a gap with the opposition expecting the ball to be passed to one of his supporting forwards. The bonus point score was converted by Gregor Hunter. This final try gave the scoreline a somewhat lopsided look, as Hawks were always in the hunt, and they certainly tested the Currie fifteen who needed a good workout before their away tussle at Mansfield Park next weekend. Hawick are unbeaten this season and sit on top of the League; this will be no easy mission.

I.J.S. - 11.1.23.

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