Edinburgh Evening News reports
BILL LOTHIAN


CURRIE are today preparing to draw on a spy in their camp as they bid to oust Glasgow Hawks from the BT Scottish Rugby Cup for the second successive season.

In trying to ensure lightning strikes twice at Malleny Park - Currie won the fixture at the same fourth-round stage 24-19 a year ago - an influential new factor has emerged in 19-year-old propping prospect, Andrew Reekie.


A member of the Scottish Under-21 squad earlier this season, Glasgow-reared Reekie moved from Hawks to Currie in October to be nearer Edinburgh University where he is studying politics and history.

Along with him, Reekie brought insight gained from sitting on the bench for Hawks four times so was delighted to find the teams paired with a place in the fifth round at stake.

"While remaining in the Premiership is a major goal at Currie, so too is the prospect of gaining some silverware and everyone is convinced such a double is possible," said Reekie.

"So far as Hawks are concerned, what I've discovered first hand that we have to crack is their ability to do the basic skills well.

"And when you ally this to a winning mentality where they have been bred on success to the extent of regularly winning Scottish titles that makes them even more formidable.

"But Currie put Hawks out of the Cup last season so there is no need for self-doubt. In fact, we believe we can beat any club in the country on our day."

At 5ft 11in and 17st 12 lbs, prop Reekie is one of the outstanding young prospects around especially now that he is commanding a regular start.

He said: "Getting a first Premiership run-out last week, even though we went down by 12-13 to Watsonians, was a significant boost.

"To get so close to the country's form team at the moment was encouraging especially as the way the game unfolded re-assured us about our abilities to take any scalp."

Adding a further twist of irony is the fact that in the opposition coaching dug-out tomorrow will be David Wilson, who recommended Reekie to Currie.

Recalls Reekie: "During the summer and before travelling along the M8 took its toll on me, I played under David Wilson at GHA and we both went to Hawks at the same time.

"Once it became apparent I needed to stay in Edinburgh it was David who pointed me in the direction of his old club and I've never had cause to regret the move.

"In fact, with another two years of studying at least ahead of me I'm hopeful of being in the Capital for a while yet particularly as the initial recommendation gained further endorsement from the likes of Scotland under-21 coach Iain Paxton who thought I'd benefit at a Premiership Division One club. "Having said all that, it will be a case, to an extent, of meeting my maker and then putting one over him - but that's sport."

In announcing an unchanged team, Currie coach Ally Donaldson had no hesitation in doubling Reekie's starts at top level.

"Andrew was one of the positives in defeat at Myreside but given home advantage especially I have confidence in the team bouncing back," said Donaldson.

Elsewhere, in the Capital, Watsonian player/coach Cammy Mather has warned his side to tread carefully against the potential banana skin that is second division Gala. Mather, who leaves himself out in order to run the rule over aspiring back row candidates, said: "Gala are still capable of functioning at top level especially as their two coaches (Paul Di Rollo and Dave Cockburn) have a bit of insight based on being at Watsonians until a few years ago."

In a forward reshuffle, Scott Laird takes over from leg break victim Steven Lawrie at hooker with David Payne moving to Mather's position at flanker allowing Jayden Thrush to be introduced at lock.

Mather added: "It is disappointing to lose Steven but hopefully we can go on to reach the later stages of the competition allowing him to get back and share in a cup run as the medical prognosis is that he could be back in two or three months."

Looking for their fourth consecutive victory after reviving league fortunes will be Stewart's/Melville when they entertain GHA at Inverleith.

Back from suspension for Colleges is hooker Shaun McMurchy while Stuart Clark comes in at second row for Stephen Dalgleish (ribs). Both Boroughmuir and Heriot's head for, respectively, East Kilbride and Peebles.

Returning for 'Muir after a two-month absence is full back Ross Cook while John Cox reclaims the loose head propping berth. For Heriot's, there is relief that an injury crisis is beginning to clear.

Vice-captain Marc Teague is restored to the wing while Johnny Elliott, normally a scrum half, gives way to Jonny Sim after providing cover at stand off.

Also returning are full back Jim Thompson and front rowers Grant Talac and Stewart Mustard.

Likely to make a first start from off the bench is highly rated French centre Julien Curt.

Among the rest of the Edinburgh contingent, Preston Lodge have a chance to bring down former winners Hawick at Pennypit Park.

Road trips await Edinburgh Acads, Edinburgh University, Murrayfield Wanderers and Haddington to, respectively, Berwick, Cambuslang, Hillhead/Jordanhill and Cartha QP.

This article was posted on 20-Jan-2006, 12:47 by Hugh Barrow.