A VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE

Premier League: Match 1 – 2.9.23.

Selkirk RFC 17 pts (t 3, c1) v Currie Chieftains 47 pts (t7, c 6)

Good pre-season preparations, with plenty of competition for senior squad selection, had the Chieftains in a buoyant mood for this opening fixture at a sun drenched Philiphaugh. As expected, the Souters were quick off the mark making the most of their opponent's disjointed, hesitant start. The Chieftains struggled to contain this early onslaught, and within five minutes were trailing by a converted try.

Fifteen minutes had passed before Currie broke free of the strangle hold that Selkirk had imposed. The visitors gradually made ground with DJ Innes and Roy Vucago starting to punch holes in a clinical Selkirk defence. Following a patient build up involving both forwards and backs, the Chieftains pack edged for the line; Chris Anderson burrowed over, and Charlie Brett converted. The picture was now changing as a confident Currie fifteen started to play some very entertaining stuff, moving the ball at every opportunity. Kody McGovern whizzed around the Souters defence with Cammy Grey taking the scoring inside pass; the try was not converted. The home team were still very much in the contest with a strong passage of attacking rugby which certainly tested Currie’s defence. On the stroke of halftime, they failed to convert a kickable penalty goal which would have been just reward for all their efforts.

Halftime score Selkirk 7 pts, Chieftains 12 pts.

Now in full stride, with Will Inglis and Ali McCallum bossing the lineout, the Chieftains made a solid start to the second half, a try for Kody McGovern soon followed; his chip-kick over the advancing defence had him scuttling in for the converted score. The Souters brushed this setback aside and responded with an aggressive forward assault, which culminated with a try: it also saw the visitors reduced to 14 men when the driving maul was pulled down. The depleted Chieftains controlled things from the restart, and their bonus point score was memorable. On halfway, scrumhalf Cammy Lessels darted through a gap, he made ground, and sent the bulky frame of Ali Bain into space; the athletic lock forward nearly made the try-line, but Kody McGovern finished the job and Charlie Brett converted.

The warm day had sucked the steam from Selkirk’s best endeavours as they wilted under Chieftains’ pressure. Further converted tries from centre Cammy Grey, and the impressive strong running young prop Olie Blyth-Leverty sealed the win. The final score was from the hard-working Rhys Davies, who charged-down a clearance kick on the Souters goal line and showed the Chieftains dominance. Given any leeway Selkirk could still cause damage, especially when their lively backs were in possession. A consolation try did give them some encouragement, but a last-ditch attempt to secure a bonus point try alluded them.                

After a slow, nervy start, the Chieftains settled down and produced a very pleasing performance at a venue which can prove difficult. Matty O’Neil, DJ Innes, Cammy Grey, and the hard running wingmen were sound throughout, producing exciting passages of play. The ‘new faces’ also blended well, with Sam Cardosi, Courtney West, Ali Bain, and Olie Blyth-Leverty really looking part of the Chieftains furniture. There will be harder matches and harsher conditions later in the season, but this was a great start for the new campaign. Next weekend we welcome Jed-Forest to Malleny Park, kick-off 3.00pm.                        

 IJS – 4.9.23.  

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