Currie 34 - 21 Aberdeen Grammar: Top-three finish in Currie’s sights

The result brings to a halt a three-match losing run that ended the Malleny Park side’s challenge in the league and cup competitions.

Their cause was helped by the return from injury and representative commitments of several key men, particularly behind the scrum, bringing pace and a cutting edge to a side that had meekly exited the cup seven days earlier.

Yet, while the hosts were deserved winners, it was the showing of Aberdeen Grammar that was the main talking point. Wingers Callum Anderson and Erlend Oag both looked lively, and full-back Steven Aitken was another polished performer.

“That was an improved performance compared to the last few weeks,” said Aberdeen coach Alex Duncan, who was in little doubt where his side had lost the game. “You’re always up against it at Currie. The difference was experience. We are coming in with young guys because they are the future for us. But it was a reasonable effort against a battle-hardened Currie side. They have been together a long time.” The hosts led 15-8 at half-time through tries from strong-running winger Alan Whittingham, pictured, and prop Loma Kivalu plus a conversion and penalty by Jamie Forbes, while lock Murray Douglas touched down for Aberdeen and Alex Hagart slotted a penalty.

Tries by Dougie Fife and Gary Temple secured the bonus point although they were split by a second score from Douglas, displaying impressive pace for a lock, and the visitors clawed their way back into the match with a drop goal and penalty from Hagart. And it took another converted try by the impressive Whittingham to seal the win.