Currie 21-8 Aberdeen Grammar, match report

Aberdeen Grammar coach Kevin Wyness was left ruing an under-par performance by his players as they suffered a defeat that has confirmed their relegation from the RBS Premiership.

Ethan Pollock races to the line to score Curries second try at Malleny Park. Picture: Ian Rutherford

Good recent performances had raised Grammar’s hopes of a win to maintain their survival effort and draw Currie back into the relegation dogfight.

However, they failed to reproduce that form against a side which has rallied after a poor start to the season.

“The better team won. That was probably the worst we’ve played for half a season. Unfortunately, the occasion probably got to us a little bit. We panicked and three of Currie’s tries came from our mistakes, we looked jittery and we didn’t play the conditions well enough”, said Wyness. “That’s sport – there’s got to be a winner and there’s got to be a loser. Unfortunately, this season, it’s us.”

By contrast, the hosts extended their unbeaten run to seven league matches with a performance that featured impressive contributions from battle-hardened individuals.

And, although the win has edged Currie closer to securing top-flight status, they are not yet guaranteed a place in the Premiership next season.

An early try by James Semple settled Currie’s nerves but Byron McGuigan landed a penalty for Grammar before Ethan Pollock completed the first-half scoring when he sprinted over after a length-of-the-field breakout by Currie.

Dave Cherry bagged try number three for Currie but Grammar again hauled their way back into the contest when Will Wardlaw touched down. However, Joe Reynolds booted a penalty and Semple slotted a late drop goal to seal the win for the home side.

Their coach Ally Donaldson praised the efforts of his men, saying: “It was very difficult in the conditions and against a big physical team. I’m delighted with the result.

Scorers: Currie – Tries: Semple, Pollock, Cherry. Pen: Reynolds. Drop goal: Semple. Aberdeen Grammar: Try: Wardlaw. Pen: McGuigan.

Currie: G Horne; R Smith, J Dominguez, J Reynolds, E Pollock; J Semple, R Snedden; J Cox, D Cherry, A Hamilton, S Cox, P Neascu, M Cairns, M Peacock, R Weston. Subs: G Carson, F Watt, G Temple, M Vernal, H Elms.

Aberdeen Grammar: NS Aitken; W Wardlaw, H Duthie, G Ryan, B McGugian; S Knudson, M Ward; M Dixon, S Bingham, N Fraser, S Smith, J Metcalfe, A Mackie, T McGinnesss, T Preece. Subs: S O’Connor, S Cessford, C Harvey, F Niua, J Lauder.

Referee: N Paterson