Heriot’s move into fourth spot with victory over Currie

Heriot’s overcame Currie 25-17 in the first BT Premiership round of the new year to move fourth in the league table and engrave their name on the Bill McLaren Shield after four consecutive victories.Currie made a positive start come the fourth minute with a penalty from Jamie Forbes after pressure in attack from scrum-half Charlie Shiel and captain Ross Weston resulted in an eventual infringement at the break down. Heriot’s responded soon after with a long-range penalty strike from Alex Hagart after the back-line caused the Currie defence trouble in the eighth minute. The hosts continued to pressurise with Michael Liness making a dent down the right before Rory Carmichael made ground to set up the pass for Andrew Simmers, who found Struan Cessford for the first try of the match come the 16th minute.Hagart pushed the conversion wide of the sticks before nailing a successful penalty conversion minutes later to send Heriot’s into a seven-point lead.John Semple threatened in midfield as Heriot’s went on the attack once more, this time it was Hagart who nearly skipped past the defence before Simmers picked-up and raced over for a well-worked try after 30 minutes. Hagart added the extras.Before the interval, Currie went on the break with Harvey Elms impressing in attack throughout several phases before an awarded penalty, punted to the corner, provided an opportunity for the visitors.The pack collected and it was Weston who bustled his way over with Forbes adding the conversion to put Currie back in contention for a strong second-half performance.Half-time: Heriot’s 18-10 CurrieAfter the break, Heriot’s responded immediately with an impressive eight-man drive towards the line, resulting in captain Rory Carmichael grounding the ball right of the posts. Simmers added the conversion which struck in off the post.Currie reacted with several promising phases in the Heriot’s 22, Forbes sprinting from half-way and Scott McGinley making an impression when carrying the ball in the close quarters.However, the Heriot’s defence stood tall with Murray McCallum making significant tackles to prevent the Currie powerhouses from barging over the line.The visitors then made ground with a driving maul which resulted in hooker Fergus Scott wrestling over the whitewash in the 65th minute before Jamie Forbes slotted the ball through the sticks.Currie continued to probe with Weston leading the charge, but several knock-ons prevented Ben Cairns’ men from gaining the advantage.Heriot’s held on in the closing stages to see out the Edinburgh derby despite Currie’s best efforts in the second-half.Full-time: Heriot’s 25-17 Currie Heriot’s v Currie, BT Premiership Round 15, Saturday 14 January, GoldenacreHeriot’s: John Semple; Charlie Simpson, Junior Rosalea, Rory Carmichael CAPTAIN, Gavin Parker; Alex Hagart, Andrew Simmers; Murray McCallum, Michael Liness, Struan Cessford, Russell Nimmo, Martin Hughes, Michael Maltman, Jack McClean, Callum Marshall. Replacements: Stewart Mustard, Martin Bouab, Clarke Smith, Tom Wilson, Liam Steele.Currie: Harvey Elms; Ratu Tagive, Robbie Nelson, Cameron Hutchinson, Ben Robbins; Jamie Forbes, Charlie Shiel; John Cox, Fergus Scott, Graeme Carson, Hamish Bain, Mike Vernel, Luke Crosbie, Stephen Ainslie, Ross Weston CAPTAIN. Replacements: AP McWilliam, Paul Mundell, Scott McGinley, Ruaridh Smith, Richard Snedden.Referee: Sam Grove-White