Hamilton sees the positives as Currie edge gallant Hawick

There are always several lessons to be learned from the opening matches of the season, and a physical encounter at Mansfield Park on Saturday was no different and a tough test for both sides, writes Atholl Innes.

Referee Keith Allen played 11 minutes of extra time in the second half following a spate of injuries, with Hawick’s Darcy Graham one of the casualties.

It was a tough baptism also for Craig Hamilton, the ex-scotland internationalist who was substituting for the unavailable Darren Cunningham.

“It is difficult to take a defeat on the first game, but there are a lot of positives. I thought we played a lot of good rugby and looked dangerous,” he said.

Currie coach Ben Cairns looked on anxiously as Hawick battled back from 7-34 down to close the gap before time ran out. The visitors scored five tries and the hosts, who were worthy of their own bonus, scored four, including two in the final ten minutes.

Currie cashed in on their dominance with a penalty try and score from Charlie Shiel, converted by Jamie Forbes, before Graham cut the deficit and Ali Weir, who had missed two penalties, converted.

A further try by Stephen Ainslie and two Forbes penalties put Currie in the driving seat. Ruaridh Smith and Harry Elms scored after the break before Kyle Brunton set up the grandstand finish, Ross Combe and a penalty try completing the scoring.