Edinburgh Accies 22 pts (t 3, c 2, p g 1) v Currie Chieftains 21 pts (t 3, c 3)

Another week of wet weather, but with an occasional patch of blue sky, this was sufficient for the Raeburn Place pitch to recover from its waterlogged condition of 7 days ago. The soft greasy surface was still a hazard, and the blinding low autumn sunshine proved difficult for both players and spectators. Apart from a couple of injuries, the Chieftains team had a familiar appearance, although Accies had several changes in their ranks, most of whom looked beefier than those on duty at Malleny Park last weekend.

Accies, eager to make a quick impression were soon on to several Currie midfield errors, which resulted in an unconverted corner flag try after 5 minutes. For most of the first quarter, the Chieftains controlled possession and territory, and but for some well-organised defending they should have recorded a score. Several attacks went very close, and the ball was held up over the line; perhaps a steadier approach would have reaped reward. Christian Townsend showed some nice touches, both from hand and with neat kicks into space, but unfortunately 2 touchline penalties did not find their mark. Following a close-quarters lineout, the Currie pack rumbled forward; Ewan Stewart scored, and Christian Townsend converted.

On 30 minutes there was almost an action replay of the earlier try; Josh O’Brien secured the throw-in, and the Chieftains pack worked the Accies line. After a couple of bullish charges from Rhys Davies and Chris Anderson, the ball was shipped to Michael Vernel who crashed over for a second converted try. The visitors continued to camp in the Accies red-zone, and but for sloppy mistakes, plus excellent Accies defence, they could have stretched their lead. When a 50 metre Accies breakout, accompanied by excellent handling, looked like producing a score, it was only Iain Sim’s last gasp tackle and a Gregor Nelson turnover which saved Currie embarrassment. For the few remaining minutes before the break, the big Accies ball carriers turned on the heat; they careered over the goal line, but they too had to experience the frustration of the ball being held up, and the halftime whistle came to Currie’s rescue.

Halftime score, Edinburgh Accies 5 pts – Currie Chieftains 14 pts.

The Chieftains made a promising start to the second period with a splendid Christian Townsend midfield break which deserved a better result. That one-man tank, Ryan Stewart, was in support, and he ricocheted off tacklers like a snooker ball, but once again this and several more flowing attacks faltered. Following 20 minutes of endeavour, the visitors had not added to their tally, and Accies started to look dangerous when they moved the ball wide. A driving maul went close, and after Currie had the hardworking, Ewan Stewart sinbinned, Accies powered their way over for a converted try.

The excitement rose as play moved from end to end. Kody McGovern made a searing break from deep, but unfortunately slipped as he sprinted around the last defender. The Chieftains’ 2-point lead looked shaky when Accies were awarded a kickable penalty. The chance was missed, and the visitors then exerted pressure at the other end with a fine run from Iain Sim, who carved his way into the opposing 22. Over-enthusiastic defending caught Accies off-side, and from the ensuing penalty lineout the Chieftains battered a well-guarded goal line before the armour-plated Michael Vernel smashed his way through for a converted try.

With ten minutes remaining Currie’s 9-point buffer appeared sufficient to ward off the determined opposition. Both sides eagerly battled to gain ground with Accies building momentum as the clock ticked down. The Chieftains had worked their way back into Accies territory, but a loose pass was punished, and the attackers were caught off-side. Only minutes remained, and Accies took the points. From the restart the now fired-up home team kept possession, and they moved inexorably towards the Currie line. The ball whizzed stylishly through the backs to their burly wing, who touched down in the corner. With the last kick of the match their captain, who missed the earlier penalty, converted. Game over.

I.J.S. 28.11.22

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