Currie extend unbeaten run to clinch place in play-offs

James Semple kicked vital points for Currie

The Malleny Park men went seven points down after seven minutes but responded with two penalties from James Semple, and he also converted a try by Cammy Gray that gave Currie a 13-10 interval lead.

Ross Weston extended the advantage when he crossed the whitewash but a converted penalty try for the hosts cut the gap to a single point before two penalties by Semple and a second try of the afternoon for Gray sealed the victory.

Ben Cairns’ side will now definitely feature in the play-offs for a second successive season and the result also means that a win at home to Gala on Saturday will secure home advantage in the knockout phase.

Meanwhile, RHC Cougars progressed to the last 16 of the BT Cup when they saw off Dumfries Saints at Barnton. The match featured a dream senior debut for schoolboy Callum Batho, who scored Cougars’ only try with his  first touch. Ciaran Wood  converted and also booted three penalties in the 16-10 success that saw Cougars through to a third round tie away to Aberdeenshire or Cartha Queens Park.

Edinburgh Accies battled all the way against Premiership opponents Stirling County but fell just short of creating an upset as they went down 25-22.

Accies opened the scoring when Callum Black forced his way over but the visitors responded with three tries – the first by former Accies scrum half Alex Black – to lead 19-5 at half time. However, a gutsy second half effort yielded touchdowns from Alex Glashan, Tom Drennan and Mark Latta plus a Will Stephen conversion, while County responded with a penalty.

That left the scores tied with five minutes to play. But, an infringement by the hosts inside their own 22 presented Joffy Hope with an opportunity to take the win and book a clash with Ayr. And the winger calmly stroked over the kick to dash Accies’ hopes.

Elsewhere, Musselburgh were outgunned by Selkirk in their tie at Philiphaugh, losing 47-7 against the Premiership outfit.

Burgh were joined on the sidelines by Preston Lodge who went out of the competition under the Pennypit lights on Friday night, losing 33-10 against Jed-Forest who will now host Heriot’s in round three.