A view from the touchline – BT Premier League: 9.9.17

Currie Chieftains 45 pts (t 6, c 6, pg 1) v Watsonians 22 pts (t 3, c 2, pg 1)

The pitch looked green and lush; the crowd were in shirt sleeves and conditions appeared perfect for a rip-roaring local Derby. A star-studded Watsonians team came to Malleny Park hoping to erase their previous week’s mauling at Melrose; could the Chieftains deal with an inevitable backlash? For the first few minutes it was tight as the meaty athletic visitors advanced to the Chieftains’ line, but as soon as Currie gained possession their pace and support play dictated proceedings. Apart from a couple of periods when the visitors got on top, the Chieftains produced some stunning rugby and stormed to a convincing six try victory.

On five minutes ‘Sonians were penalised inside their 22; Stephen Ainslie secured the penalty lineout and the pack drove forward sucking in the opposition. Snipping around the fringes, Charlie Shiel made a break and neatly passed inside for Ben Robbins to finish; Jamie Forbes converted. A poor clearance kick caught Currie out of position and the visitors took their opportunity. Following a good build-up and some quick inter-passing, centre D. J. Innes dived over; the corner flag try was converted by Andrew Chalmers.

Although the Chieftains pack had to battle hard throughout the afternoon, the backs looked polished and pacy and frequently made ground; particularly Charlie Shiel and Robbie Nelson with scintillating breaks and crafty off-loads that caused constant problems for the visitors. Following one such break from his own 10-metre line, the alert scrum-half found Thomas Gordon on his shoulder; the speedy wing-forward galloped into the opposition’s 22 and, as quick as lightning, Jamie Forbes looped a pinpoint pass to Glen Faulds; the young full-back stepped inside three defenders to score a majestic try, his first for the Malleny club; Jamie Forbes converted. Within minutes Robbie Nelson motored over a would-be tackler and made 20 metres; as he was collared 20 metres on, he ‘popped’ the ball to Rhys Davies who went in under the posts; Jamie Forbes added the extras. ‘Sonians finally got a grip on the situation and played to their strength by retaining possession and working towards the Currie line. From a penalty lineout, the well-organised pack rumbled forward and Michael Fedo crashed over. The score was not converted, but it did show the visitors’ capabilities.

Halftime score – Currie Chieftains 21 pts, Watsonians 12 pts.

The home team made a poor start to the second half and put themselves under pressure from the kick-off. Andrew Chalmers converted a penalty, and what had previously seemed a sizeable lead was now within easy reach. Some quick thinking from Cammy Gray kept the ball in play, and he started a move that led to a Currie penalty in midfield; Jamie Forbes kicked for the corner. It looked as if the penalty lineout had malfunctioned, but Thomas Gordon grabbed the ball as it appeared to miss the intended target, and he powered his way to the line. The immaculate kicking of Jamie Forbes added the conversion points.

Once again the visitors hit back with a measured attack which was, for once, error-free. Some nifty footwork from Michael Allen saw him scamper over the line; Andrew Chalmers converted from wide out and this again closed the gap to just six points. When the visitors were penalised for a high tackle in midfield, unsurprisingly Jamie Forbes opted to take the points.

Into the last quarter, and ‘Sonians were beginning to wilt from the constant run-around that Currie had imposed. Although they kept to their task, the visitors found it increasingly difficult to curtail the Chieftains’ adventurous ambitions, and even when they did stretch the Currie defence, errors halted progress. A promising-looking ‘Sonians move faltered near the Currie 22, and Harvey Elms hacked the loose ball on; the Currie centre won the foot-race and Jamie Forbes added the conversion. The final score of the afternoon was full of superb rugby skills. Several phases had taken play to just inside the visitors’ half when Ben Robbins selected a wonderful angle as he took a short pass from Charlie Shiel; the excellent speedster had it all to do and sprinted 35 metres for the line with Watsons’ backs in his wake. Inevitably Jamie Forbes added the conversion points to cap his wonderful kicking performance, but over all this victory was down to a superb team effort. Another tough outing at Meggetland next Saturday; KO 3.00pm. IJS, 10.9.17.