Upbeat Donaldson keen to avoid Currie injuries

CURRIE coach Ally Donaldson believes Saturday's Scottish Hydro Electric Premiership win at home to Hawick offers cause for optimism over the potential of his players, provided they steer clear of injury.

Currie, with three 18-year-olds among the backs and four 20-year-olds in the pack, held a 14-12 lead at the break before stepping up a gear after the restart to complete a 41-24 win and move into the top half of the league table.

Tries from Ryan Reeves, Ross Weston, Mark Cairns, Mike Norton and Johnny Smith, who converted all five and added two penalties, did the damage for Donaldson's men.

The coach said: "We're absolutely delighted to get a bonus point win because you have to work hard for any win in this league.

"We need a bit of consistency in selection. We've had a lot of injuries. We've used 32 players in seven games, so hopefully now we can get a good run free of injuries and get some consistency through the team."

In Division Two, a resurgent Musselburgh side looking for a third successive win travelled to face Stewart's Melville, who were desperate to stop the rot after a four-match losing streak.

In a match that featured the rare sight of a female official running the line, the hosts bounced back from conceding three early points to turn on the style for the 50 past members who were guests of the club, running in six tries on their way to a 42-23 win. Craig Marshall, Blair Tweedie, Stephen Dalgleish and Jed Gordon had a try apiece and Stuart Clark claimed a brace, while Nick Wood added three conversions and two penalties.

For 'Burgh, Andrew Clark was on target with three penalties and both conversions after he and Andrew Lamb had a try each. The result has returned the Stoneyhill men to the bottom of the table, with a home fixture against leaders Dundee High next on the agenda.

Elsewhere, Haddington hosted fellow promotion hopefuls Aberdeen Grammar and, although full back Sam Hughes grabbed a try for the Scarlets, it was not enough to prevent a 13-5 defeat that sees Eddie Pollock's men slip to fifth place in the league table.

Division Three basement side Livingston had their best performance of the season, but failed to break their points duck and they remain rooted to the foot of the table after going down 53-27 away to Ellon.