Dundee HSFP 43 - 36 Currie: Forbes keeps score respectable as Dundee edge toward glory

DUNDEE kept their hopes of a cup and league double alive with an enthralling first half display, but were clinging on for dear life in the second period as Currie closed in on two vital bonus points.

“This was as well as we have played all season, at least in the first half, but I warned the guys at half-time that Currie were too proud a team to lie down,” said Ian Rankin, the Dundee head coach, after his side had led 31-10 at half time, but failed to contain Currie stand-off Jamie Forbes, right, who danced his way through the Dundee defence, scoring two tries, a penalty, and four conversions for a personal tally of 21 points.

Currie coach Ally Donaldson admitted to feeling emotional about the occasion and said: “We were staring down the barrel of a big defeat but rallied to come within striking distance. We have used 38 players this season in an injury-ravaged spell and not enjoyed the best of luck. A place in the British and Irish Cup would be a great outcome.”

Twelve tries kept the Mayfield crowd on its toes, especially as seven of them were scored by the double-chasing home side, who now face two of the biggest weeks in the history of the club, starting with a national cup semi-final match against Gala on Saturday followed by the deciding league match of the season against great derby rivals Stirling County.

Both games are at home, giving the Dundonians the exciting prospect of a first-ever League title and a place in the Scottish Cup final at Murrayfield in April.

Dundee were first out of the blocks scoring four tries in less than half an hour, winger Andy McLean racing in twice to touch down. At this stage a rout looked on the cards, but Forbes kept his side in touch with a converted try and penalty. Even then, Dundee appeared to be coasting and set to repeat their first-half heroics when full-back Cameron Wyper scored immediately after the restart, only for Forbes to break out for his second try.

Lifted by his example Loma Kivalu and flanker Mike Entwhistle added t