Currie 19-15 Heriot’s

Currie’s hopes of RBS Premiership survival got a boost when they ground out a hard-fought win on a soggy pitch over a Heriot’s side looking to secure a place in the British & Irish Cup, writes Colin Renton at Malleny Park. The result means that Currie, Dundee High or Melrose will face Hawick in a play-off for the remaining slot in next season’s top flight. Meanwhile, Heriot’s now sit in fourth place but must await the outcome of the remaining two matches to learn whether they have done enough to be involved in the cross-border competition.

Currie’s hopes of RBS Premiership survival got a boost when they ground out a hard-fought win on a soggy pitch over a Heriot’s side looking to secure a place in the British & Irish Cup.

The result means that Currie, Dundee High or Melrose will face Hawick in a play-off for the remaining slot in next season’s top flight. Meanwhile, Heriot’s now sit in fourth place but must await the outcome of the remaining two matches to learn whether they have done enough to be involved in the cross-border competition.

Gregor Hunter and Graham Wilson traded early penalties before Hunter nudged Currie in front with another kick.

But the hosts failed to convert a spell of sustained pressure into points, and it was five minutes from the interval before they finally unlocked a solid Heriot’s defence – Simon Marcel crashing over. Hunter’s conversion sent Currie into the break with a 13-3 advantage.

A further penalty from Hunter kept the scoreboard ticking over before the visitors struck back when Cammy Ferguson speared into the Currie 22 and the recycled ball was spun wide to Harry Boisseau who dotted down in the corner.

Currie rallied and Hunter stroked over penalty number four from close range as the game entered the closing 15 minutes. However, Heriot’s cut the deficit to four points and ensured a tense finale when Max Learmonth sprinted over and Wilson landed the conversion.

The visitors finished strongly but the home defence held firm for a vital win.