Dunbar U15's suffered their heaviest defeat for over two years against an excellent opportunist Currie side But still emerged with some positives and encouraging words from the Currie coaches and opposition parents in a match showing all that is best in rugby etiquette. The referee also made the point of encouraging the lads. Commenting, the referee said “you are a good side, just have belief in yourselves ". Dunbar received first facing the national stadium. Captain Finlay Darrah pounced on the kick and surged into the Currie half, but the gold and black defence held firm which was to be the sign of things to come for the Dunbar boys.
The opening exchanges saw Dunbar take it to Currie, turning the ball over in their twenty two and putting them under a great deal of pressure. This was very encouraging stuff for Dunbar, but alas after seven minutes with the green team in control, Currie broke loose at great speed to score. A missed tackle allowing the Currie winger to sprint to the line. The remainder of the half saw Dunbar heads drop, with alignment and tackling poor. Josh Stewart retired with a leg injury, Thomas Salkeld suffered concussion and then Cameron McFaddyn was replaced suffering a reoccurring back injury.
So you can see things went from bad to worse. It was all one way traffic at this point even though the Dunbar pack at times had the upper hand. Currie's backs were lethal led by a very good 10. Dunbar at this stage did not do themselves justice and a lesson on keeping heads up and to believe in themselves, when under pressure needs to be learnt. The very long first period drew to a close with Currie right on top. Half time score:
Currie 38 Dunbar 0.
More Dunbar subs were used and some positional changes made. A more spirited Dunbar emerged in the second half although there were few chances to score. But eventually Currie's backs again broke away to score three more tries. But at least Dunbar was now playing with more pride even though confidence was egg shelly.
Final Score Currie 57 Dunbar 0 approx.
A development game then was played where many positional changes were made. Currie continued to score seizing every opportunity, something Dunbar could not do. Positives - At the start of both halves Dunbar played very well and looked, what they are, a good side. But when one or two mistakes were made the wheels fell off. Lack of composure and belief with a dose of panic and lack of concentration under pressure seemed to be the problem. Many players worked very hard and their commitment was very good, but alas the damage was done in the first half. Finlay Darrah was excellent for Dunbar as was the Currie number 10. Two great performances from two very talented players. I would like to see us play Currie again because they are a very good and sporting outfit, matched by their coaches and parents. I think we can do much better and learn by playing teams like this whenever possible. Well played Currie. Dunbar, will bounce back next week away to Livingston.