Only one match took place in RBS Premier A on Saturday after a number of late calls were made on frozen and waterlogged pitches.

However, the match which did take place was the Gala versus Currie Bill McLaren Shield crunch match at Netherdale, protected by its under-soil heating.

It was a hard-fought match which hung in the balance until very late on when Currie tore away on the scoreboard and claimed the silverware. They won 32-12

Currie head coach, Ally Donaldson, said: “It was a really tough match on Saturday and Gala were a very physical side. Also we have made a few changes to our team so the boys took a wee bit of getting used to the re-jig. 

“I believe we were the better team throughout the match but Gala hung in right to the end. With seven minutes to go it could have gone either way, but we got two late tries and managed to win the game.

“Knowing the Bill McLaren Shield was at stake was a big deal for us and we’re just delighted to have won it.”

The capital side scored four tries all in, two from Dougie Fife, and one each from Dave Smith and Jamie Forbes. Forbes also kicked three conversions and two penalties.

The next Bill McLaren Shield challenge match will take place on Saturday 18 February when Currie go head-to-head with Melrose in RBS Premier A, at Malleny Park.