Those of us willing and able to brave the worst weather in years, were treated to a game of rugby to gladden the heart. Full credit to Heriots for organising the Oriam. The result did not go their way but they will take comfort in a full house and creating a precedent for the future. Certainly it makes for a much faster and more attractive game when played on a superb pitch indoors than it does outside on a dreich day in midwinter or for that matter in early Spring!

After the disaster against Marr, the response from the players was superb and congratulations to them for their effort, skill and attitude in a game which we knew we had to win. The commitment was fantastic - one shuddering tackle by the Club Captain Mikey Vernel on Struan Cessford Heriots big prop on the charge stands out in the memory but the performance all round was superb. The backs played at a speed and with a quality of handling which meant that for only the second time in four years we beat one of our toughest rivals and put paid to some of our worst memories. Greco would be very proud.

Not least amongst those memories was our loss in the dying seconds of the last semi final played at Malleny when Heriots broke our hearts and went on to achieve an amazing double. Sadly we are out of the cup but if we play with the spirit and skill on show on Saturday then we have a great chance of reaching the final regardless of whether it is Ayr or Watsonians on the day.

We must give ourselves every opportunity. I know that Ben and his coaching team will prepare the boys well. We need to give them every support in the lead up to the game but most importantly by filling Malleny on the day with as many supporters as we can. I ask everyone who loves this Club to come down on the 24th March and make Malleny the noisiest place in the Central Belt!

I sincerely hope that our junior section will attend in droves. One day I hope that some of our youngsters will represent this Club at the highest level so bring your family and your coaches and come along in your Chieftains kit to cheer for your heroes.

Lunch will be served on the day so book quickly as there are a limited number of places.

One last message of congratulations to Charlie Shiel who joins Luke Crosbie as a professional player at Edinburgh. A fantastic achievement for him and the best possible example of why Currie Chieftains continues to provide one of the best environments for developing players.

I look forward to seeing you all on 24th March. 3pm kick off.

Charles Mullins

Chairman