Following the wind, sleet and rain of recent days, the Stoneyhill pitch was only passed as playable at noon for the Chieftains’ penultimate league match of the season. It was almost two years ago, just before the first Covid lockdown that Currie last visited the coastal club, which was then gearing up for its Centenary celebrations – 1921/2021. On that day, the contest went to the wire with Currie edging the win on full time. Once again, the large crowd anticipated another close match, especially as the visitors had not played for three weeks and Musselburgh had been particularly impressive at home all this season.

Within the first three minutes there was plenty for the spectators to cheer. The kick-off ball was collected by Rhys Davies, who clattered through a group of Musselburgh players, and charged forward. After several phases, a quickly recycled ball missed its connection, and the spritely home backs made the most of the error, scoring an unconverted try in the corner. This was not the start that Currie were expecting, but in a couple of minutes parity was restored. A searing run from DJ Innis sent Fergus Scott over the line; Jamie Forbes converted, and his superb kicking was fruitful for the remainder of the afternoon; he only missed one shot at goal.

For the rest of the half, scores came fast and furiously. Ryan Stewart finished from the back of a devastating 10 metre rolling maul, and despite some spirited tackling from the home team, they found it difficult to plug the gaps which Currie’s slick handling was creating. The powerful direct running of DJ Innis and Cammy Meager caused Musselburgh all sorts of bother; the former scoring two tries, and the latter making ground before linking with Fergus Scott who outpaced everyone in a 35 metre dash to the corner flag.

It was pulsating, mostly one directional traffic, although the tenacious home side occasionally slipped from the visitors’ shackles and careered deep into Chieftains territory. Rory Hindhaugh, Danny Owenson and the Watt brothers kept the Chieftains defence on their toes, but the raids were thwarted with thumping tackles from Paddy Boyer, Charlie Brett and James McCaig. By halftime, and with the home team’s numbers reduced for a yellow card offence, Gregor Nelson crashed over from a rolling maul to score try number six; a point a minute for the first forty was quite a performance.

Halftime Score – Musselburgh 5 pts v Currie Chieftains 40 pts.

Only 3 minutes from the restart, Jamie Forbes had converted his own try, but the scoring then slowed, and Musselburgh made better use of their possession with some lively back play which criss-crossed the pitch trying to find an opening.

However, their courageous endeavours went unrewarded, and another scintillating Currie attack finished with a Cammy Meager try. The visitors’ second half performance was not as dynamic as their first, but nevertheless there were a couple of stand-out moments. The pinpoint accuracy of a Jamie Forbes cross-field punt caught the opposition unawares; the ball fell into the arms of Ryan Daley who scooted in from 10 metres.

At this stage you could have been misled by the points gap between the teams, as they both played with passion and flair. A thrilling passage of rugby ended with a touchline squabble breaking out. This required the referee’s intervention, and yellow cards for the culprits who had been egged on by some vociferous touchline support. It was only a ‘handbags’ incident but indicated the level of commitment from both teams at this stage of the game.

Against a big, experienced Musselburgh pack, Hamish Ferguson, Cody Roman, AP McWilliam and Graeme Carson gave nothing away and they controlled most of the heavy action. From Musselburgh’s standpoint it was unfortunate that they could not contain the Chieftains earlier in the match. But, at the end of their Centenary season, they finished with a final flourish, scoring a deserved late try.

From Currie’s perspective the match was a job well done  and, with one match remaining, the secured their unassailable place at the top of the Premier League and a guaranteed home venue for the play-offs stage of the competition .

‍Full-time Score -Musselburgh 10 pts (t 2) v Currie Chieftains 61 pts (t 9, c 8)

I.J.S, 20.2.22.

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