Selkirk 20 pts (t 2, c 2, pg 2) v Currie Chieftains 29 pts (t 4, c 3, pg 1)

Following Selkirk’s memorable away victory over Marr, and the Chieftains’ defeat at home to Hawick on the previous Saturday, the intensity of this match was clear for all to see, and possibly a defining point for both teams in the current competition. Injury had caused changes to the Chieftains’ line-up, but the tight-knit Malleny squad certainly responded to the coaches’ call; Mark Cairns and Alistair Donaldson must have been delighted with this response.

Like the Hawick forwards, the beefy Souters pack soon muscled their way deep into Chieftains territory, but despite some heroic defending, especially from Josh O’Brien who was magnificent throughout the contest, the home team’s pick-and-drive advance delivered a converted try within 5 minutes. The relentless pressure continued until Chris Anderson inflicted a try-line turnover, and Charlie Brett walloped a 50/22 clearance as the visitors moved the ball wide. Will Inglis secured the lineout, and it was now the turn of the Currie pack to rumble forward; Paddy Bowyer spun, ricocheted and slipped from the grip of several tacklers before DJ Innes picked up at the back of the resulting ruck to score. Although the try was not converted, the Chieftains seemed to have the measure of their opponents. As the game moved from one 22 to the other the Chieftains always looked to have the situation under control.

By the half hour mark, Currie’s enterprise and accuracy had produced converted tries for Gregor Nelson and Cammy Meager, both coming from excellent handling and support play. Selkirk still had plenty of sting in their attacks, and as the break approached, they kicked a penalty goal and scored another converted try after Currie received a yellow card for a debatable high tackle. The home team should have drawn even closer but missed a very kickable penalty on the stroke of halftime.

Halftime score – Selkirk 10 pts, Currie Chieftains 19 pts.

A storming Souters restart was matched by a fine defensive set from Currie. After 10 minutes of nip and tuck, with both teams exchanging penalty goals for similar infringements, the Chieftains started to build pressure. The familiar face of Gregor Christie replaced injured scrumhalf Paddy Bowyer, whose excellent form had been influential in attack and defence. Following a succession of penalties in their 22, Selkirk received a yellow card, but they managed to weather the storm and hastily cleared down field. Charlie Brett was well positioned to gather the clearance kick for a counterattack; the elusive fullback linked with Cammy Meager and DJ Innes who sprinted in for the bonus point try, much to the dismay of the Scouters and their fans. Adam Hall kicked a splendid conversion.

Into the final quarter, and roused by their vociferous supporters, Selkirk went through the phases which eventually broke Currie’s resistance for a second converted try. Ryan Stewart, Jacob Ramsey and Greg Cannie made penetrating runs into opposition territory, but the Souters responded with some equally impressive moves of their own. Some ferocious tackling prevented any further scoring, but not for the want of trying, and the last minutes of the game seemed an eternity.

This was a good, sound Chieftains performance, with fewer mistakes and stout defence which was occasionally missing in recent matches. Philiphaugh is a difficult Borders venue, but with Rhys Davies and Michael Vernel showing grit and leadership, and Will Inglis and Josh O’Brien outstanding at the heart of the powerhouse, this determined effort was well rewarded. Next weekend will be equally as hard when they must do it all over again against Jed-Forest, their third Borders opponents in 3 weeks.

I.J.S. - 24.10.22.