Premier League: Match 3 – 16.9.23.

A View from the Chieftains Touchline

Musselburgh 7pts (t1, c1) v Currie Chieftains 46pts (t8, c3)

A visit to Stoneyhill has always provided anxiety, excitement, and some memorable results for the travelling Currie support. This early season encounter was no exception, with the scoreline giving little indication of how tough it really was for 55 minutes. The steady breeze had a hint of autumn, and if the home team had used it to their advantage in the second half, the outcome could have been closer.

The Chieftains’ intent was evident from the start as they demonstrated their fifteen-man repertoire making inroads against a stout Musselburgh defence. When Ali Bain slipped through a couple of tackles, he opened the way for the visitors’ first try; Charlie Brett’s neat chip-kick was snapped up by Sam Cardosi who dived over in the corner. The try was not converted, and if it were not for a desperate tackle from Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, the Chieftains’ mobile young prop, a few minutes later, Musselburgh would have levelled the scores. For the next 15 minutes the contest was delicately balanced, but on numerous occasions the home team's propensity to drop the ball halted their ambitions, and Currie were able to extinguish any threat.

Some fine touch-kicking from Jamie Forbes and Charlie Brett into the opposition 22 finally brought reward. With either Will Inglis, Ali McCallum or Courtney West securing lineout ball, the well drilled Chieftains pack could show their mettle. An impressive 15 metres drive ensued; Ali Bain scored, and Jamie Forbes converted. Currie were gradually taking control, but some poor decisions botched at least two more scoring chances. When the visitors did get it right, they caused mayhem in the Musselburgh defence. DJ Innes danced his way towards the try line and Cammy Gray took the scoring pass. Although the Chieftains were now looking more assured, the home side, cheered on by their vociferous supporters, removed any doubt that they were out of the contest. With only minutes remaining before the break, a Musselburgh penalty shot hit the post. This was followed by three mighty 5 metre penalty scrums which the tenacious Currie front row managed to repel.  

Halftime score – Musselburgh 0 pts, Currie Chieftains 17pts.

Musselburgh started the second half in the same fashion as they finished the first, and their battling pack had the visitors by the throat. Within 2 minutes they secured a converted try, following some exemplary pick-and-drive tactics from their heavy artillery; and Currie had a man in the bin! For most of the third quarter the visitors were on the back foot. Musselburgh’s continuing mistakes however, prevented any further progress, and the experience in Currie’s ranks started to show. Jamie Forbes made a stunning break with DJ Innes taking the inside scoring pass. This was shortly followed on the hour mark by another mighty rolling maul; the impressive Ollie Blyth-Lafferty scored, and the try was converted.

Although the home team still had a spring in their step, the Chieftains were sapping their energy tank with running rugby which would stretch any opponents' resources. In the final 15 minutes the visitors looked comfortable, rattling in three more tries from Charlie Brett, Ali Bain and Ryan Daley; Sam Letto converted one of them. The final score somewhat flattered the Chieftains’ performance which will need a little more polish against stiffer opposition. Today, both teams made mistakes, but against streetwise opposition Currie will be punished for poor play, especially when under pressure.        

The Chieftains are at Malleny next weekend with a match against Heriot’s who are also enjoying early season success. Kick-off is at 3.00pm; it should be a cracker. I understand that the President’s pitch-side Pleasure Dome is now fully subscribed and will be in operation for the Heriot’s game.

I.J.S – 18.9.23.

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