PREM REVIEW | Last gasp drop goal seals victory for Currie Chieftains

Heriot’s took control early in the game and went into the interval with a five-point lead, however, the visitors were less clinical in the second-half, allowing Currie Chieftains to capitalise on costly errors.

The hosts produced a game full of vigour and persistence, which saw the home crowd at Malleny Park on their feet when Gregor Hunter kicked a superb drop goal on the 80thminute to secure the victory.

Match report…

The opening exchanges of the game were dominated by Heriot’s as the side were able to maintain possession and territory but lacked the necessary penetration to get through the Chieftains’ defence.

After twenty minutes, it was Currie Chieftains who broke the stalemate when an initial line break by Charlie Shiel saw the side race into the opposition’s 22 before the ball eventually was passed out wide to Ben Robbins to score [5-0].

Moments later, Heriot’s hit back when they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts to which Ross Jones slotted through with ease [5-3].

The visitors were soon back on the attack and were able to take the lead when skipper Iain Wilson dotted down on the line from close range, with Jones adding the extras [5-10].

Before the interval, Heriot’s were down to 14 men when Adam Sinclair was shown a yellow card for a high tackle, however, Currie Chieftains were unable to capitalise during the period.

HALF-TIME: Currie Chieftains 5-10 Heriot’s

It was a brighter start from the hosts in the second-half as they began to display their attacking intent throughout the rest of the encounter.

Heriot’s defence, however, stood firm and the hosts were unable to get over the line one a number of occasions.

Currie Chieftains continued to pressurise resulting in a penalty with Hunter reducing the deficit to two points with six minutes remaining.

As the clock approached full-time, it appeared that Heriot’s were going to be able to hold on to claim victory, however, they were agonisingly pipped to the post when Shiel whipped the ball back to Hunter who nailed the drop goal [11-10].

FULL-TIME: Currie Chieftains 11-10 Heriot’s

Elsewhere, Edinburgh Accies recorded an impressive 37-7 victory against Hawick while Watsonians secured a comprehensive 43-27 victory against Glasgow Hawks.

Melrose were able to narrowly claim a 19-22 against hosts Stirling County, while current league leaders Ayr overcame Boroughmuir at Millbrae [14-7].

Currie Chieftains: Jamie Forbes; Ben Robbins, Joe Reynolds, Robbie Nelson (co-captain), Steven Hamilton; Gregor Hunter, Charlie Shiel; AP McWilliam, Fergus Scott (co-captain), Matias Sonzogni Argiro, Vince Wright, Kiran McDonald, Mike Vernal, Thomas Gordon, Tevita Tameilau

Replacements: Graeme Carson, Fraser Watt, Marc Kelly, Matthew Hooks, Roan Frostwick.

Heriot’s: Charlie Simpson; Rory McMichael, Ross Jones, Robert Kay, Craig Robertson; Stuart Edwards, Andrew Simmers; Martin Bouab, Michael Liness, Struan Cessford, Adam Sinclair, Callum Marshall, Iain Wilson (captain), Jack McLean, Ruaridh Leishman

Replacements: Ali Johnston, Josh Scott, Charlie Jupp, Struan Dewar, Alex Ball.