Following 12 months in which Hawick RFC lost several favourite sons, it seems fitting that the never say die spirit which epitomised the golden era of Hawick rugby, came to the fore, as the current squad of Robbie Dyes took their place in the clubs history books.
In what was a pulsating game, and an outstanding advert for Premiership Rugby, both Hawick and Currie Chieftains gave everything in pursuit of the title, both desperately wanted to regain. To their credit Currie had done their homework and played with a high tempo and physicality which tested Hawick to the max. Halftime saw the men from Balerno ahead by a single point 8-11……with the team each scoring a single try in the opening 40. Fraser Renwick dotting down for Hawick after a line-out drive on the stroke of half-time.
The second half brought the very best out of both teams defences, however the Robbie Dyes managed to take the lead through the trusty boot of fullback Kirk Ford. There followed a period of intense pressure as Currie who threw everything at the Greens, setting seige to the Hawick line but a resolute defence held firm.
Ultimately the pressure began to take its toll and Hawick lost first Dalton Redpath to a second yellow card, meaning his game was over, and then stand-off Kyle Brunton to a yellow. Down to 13 men, the defence which had been resolute was stretched to breaking point, and Currie Chieftains scored a try out wide, adding the touchline conversion to leave the Greens 14-18 down with 10 minutes to play, needing a try to win it!
‘All was sunk in deep dejection’……… and down to 13 with a fired up Currie Chieftains side facing them……what could the Robbie Dyes conjure up? Well……It would be very difficult to have written a script for what then came to pass, as the Greens, buoyed by the home support threw everything into attack. The 13 lads on the park, drove the Currie scrum back, won turnovers and tackled like demons, retaining possession winning phase after phase, and finding a way to get into the visitors 22. Then with the last play of the game…..and with the collective will of the Teri support urging them on, after numerous drives, they worked the ball wide to Ethan Reilly who’s long looping pass found Ronan McKean and……the rest is as they say…….is now Hawick RFC History.
Final score: Hawick 21 Currie Chieftians 18.
It is very difficult to put into words what happened yesterday……. over the last week the club and the community went the extra mile to make sure the lads would have a playable pitch to contest the Premiership final……and what can we say…. As if to say ‘thank you’, the lads most certainly went that extra mile to bring the title back to Mansfield Park for the first time in 21 years…. ‘You beauties’
