U14s - Stromness v Kirkwall 18-2-12
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Match Report - Stromness Academy v K.G.S – 18th Feb
The latest meeting between Stromness Academy and Kirkwall Grammar School took place on Saturday 18th February at Stromness. It was a cold, blustery day with frequent snow showers. Stromness had a squad of 20 while KGS only had 14 players so that meant that KGS borrowed a couple Stromness players for the game.
The first try of the day went to James Nicolson from KGS and was converted by Sam Croy but a quick unconverted try from Tyler Lewington put Stromness back in the game. James Nicolson made another run, breaking through the Stromness defence to score his second try with Sam Croy slotting home the conversion. Both teams were putting in good tackles as well as making some handling errors in the cold conditions. Half Time = Stromness Academy 5 – 14 KGS
After a short interval Cairan Drever scored an unconverted try. Stromness then had a sustained period of pressure and should have scored a couple tries. Scott Smith finally got the ball over the line for another unconverted try before Sam Croy managed to score a converted try near the end. Both Tyler Lewington and Robbie Drever came very close to scoring for Stromness which would have made the game close to a draw.
Good tackling on the day was evident from Gregoir Morrison and Owen Harcus, also well done to the S1 players at Stromness who have just recently started playing who gave a good account of themselves. Both teams need to continue to work to support the ball carrier.
Final Score = Stromness Academy 10 – 24 KGS
Orkney RFC Rugby Activity Day
On Wednesday 8th February, Orkney Rugby Football club held a Rugby Activity Day for all children from P1-7 and saw a total of 88 participants take part, the Day was split into two parts with the P1-3’s in the morning from 10-12 and the P4-7’s in the afternoon from 1-3. Each two hours slot was split into two parts, one part was on the Astro Turf behind the Pickaquoy and the other hour was held behind the Rugby club on the back pitch.
First was the P1-3’s, they started by being split into three groups, each group was assigned to a station containing different activities, these were: Stuck in the Mud – this worked on evasive running skills, Touch Bulldogs – this worked on evasive running skills and special awareness and Stadium Ball – this worked on communication, line speed and defensive skills. Once each station was completed by each of the groups they moved onto Obstacle Courses set up by the coaches helping on the day. Each course was different and included things like Hurdles, Ladders and crawling under tackle bags.
Primary 1-3 Playing Stuck in the Mud
After the first hour everybody was feeling the effects of the cold and it was good to get inside for a quick warm up. Once everybody had changes into boots if they had them they moved onto the back pitch for games of touch and contact rugby. Luckily the weather held out and some good games of rugby we able to be played.
Second came the P4-7’s, like the earlier session they were split into groups, these were P4/5’s and P6/7s. After a dynamic warm up they moved onto obstacle courses, the courses were modified from the first session to make it more hard and challenging for the players. Again stations were set up; these were Stadium Ball, this activity required the players to use evasive running skills, special awareness, line speed and communication, and Touch Bulldogs, this needed line speed, evasive footwork. Once each group had completed their station they moved to the next one. They then progressed onto games of tag rugby in their teams going across the Astro turf. After approximately a 10 minute game all the players were quite tired from all the hard work so got a rest in the rugby club before they moved onto the back pitch.
On the back pitch all players took part in a warm up based around a session containing contact, some exercises used were one-on-one wrestling, more dynamic exercises including squats, sit ups, star jumps and some tackling in groups. Once everybody was warmed up and ready they proceeded onto games within their groups. Each group played one game of full contact rugby lasting about 25 minutes.
Overall the day was enjoyed by all who participated in it, thank you to all the coaches who were able to assist with the running of the day. The next Rugby Activity Day is on the 6th April, forms can be collected from Schools and Orkney RFC closer to the time.
Coaches: David Porteouse, Taylor Pilkington-Tait, Chris Munson, Mark Sinclair, Liam Sharpe, Graham Lincoln, Joey Fischler, John & Joy Hawgood.
Liam Sharpe
Orkney RFC Strength & Conditioning Course. 14th and 15th January 2012
On the 14th and 15th of January Orkney RFC held a Level 1 Strength & Conditioning course at The Pickaquoy Centre. The course was conducted by Ken MacEwen, National Pathway Fitness Coordinator for Scottish Rugby Union and was attended by rugby coaches, current players and Pickaquoy staff.
The two day course consisted of theory and practical based modules which are aimed to give coaches an all round understanding of how to develop their athletes to get the best out of individuals and groups in their chosen sport or sports. Postural training was the emphasis over the two days concentrating on agility, balance coordination and speed defining the importance of core strength in a sporting environment. The key competencies consisted of understanding and conducting dynamic warm ups, learning correct weight lifting techniques such as, Back Squat, Front Squat, Straight Leg Dead lift, Hang Clean, 1st Pull, 2nd pull from thigh with shrug, Push Press, Bench Press and trunk exercises. Course tutor Ken MacEwan highlighted the importance of postural development with children and illustrated models of good practice throughout Scotland with children as young as Primary 6 focussing on techniques such as gymnastic type exercises and body weight exercises which improved core strength. Safety in the gym and long term athlete development was also discussed.
“It’s always great to see Ken visiting Orkney and sharing his wealth of experience with candidates on these courses. Everyone gained a huge amount over the weekend and course participants have taken away a great deal of knowledge which the Orkney community will benefit from I’m sure. Many thanks to ken for making the trip north, The Pickaquoy Centre for providing a venue and Orkney RFC for their continued support towards their coaches development.”
Bruce Ruthven (left) with participants from various sports who took part in the course.
Pics: Orkney Photographic
“A 2 day Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Weightlifting was held in conjunction with the Scottish Rugby Union & the UK Strength & Conditioning Association (UKSCA) at the Pickaquoy Centre at the weekend. 13 Coaches from Orkney Rugby Club and the Pickaquoy Centre took part in the Course. It was a practical competency based course looking at practical aspects of coaching Weightlifting with Rugby Players and gave the Coaches an opportunity to deliver and coach weightlifting techniques to players in a safe and well structured environment. The Course was delivered by Ken MacEwen, National Fitness Coordinator for the Scottish Rugby Union. Weightlifting techniques are nowadays an integral part of conditioning for Rugby at all ages and young players can learn to lift safely with broom handles and eventually loaded bars as physical maturity is reached in the mid-teens.
The group of Coaches attending was highly motivated & successfully achieved the Course Outcomes and has a good source of practical knowledge to work from now with aspiring young Orcadian Rugby players.”
Congratulations as primary schools complete 6 week block of Tag Rugby
Stenness
For the past 6 week Stenness Primary school has been participation in doing sessions of Tag Rugby Taken by Rugby Development Officer – Bruce Ruthven and Modern Apprentice - Liam Sharpe. The sessions were conducted at the school, once per week and included nation theme based sessions such as on ball skills and hand catch as well as allowing the pupils to participate in games in their classes. Some comments from the players were:
Nadia “I enjoyed Tag Rugby because we got to beat the boys, a lot and I would like to do it again”.
Jamie P6 “I like it because it is fun and we got to play games”.
Liam Sharpe added “it’s great to get such positive feedback on the Tag Rugby; all the pupils seem to enjoy the experience and are keen to do it again, it good to be able to get out into the small schools to coach”.
Orphir had 6 weeks of Tag Rugby take place at the school from November through to December, all years in the school received tag rugby from Bruce Ruthven, Orkney RFC Rugby Development Officer and Modern Apprentice - Liam Sharpe. All years have progress through the 6 weeks in there capability to play Tag Rugby and have become very good at it. Some feedback from the pupils was:
Jade P7 “In Tag Rugby we learnt a lot about team work and communication, Liam and Bruce coached us well”
Mia P6 “I love Tag Rugby! It was so fun! I never want it to stop”
Tia P6 “Tag Rugby is awesome, its coo, and fun”
Bruce Ruthven stated; "The Orphir kids have excelled over the past six weeks showing a clear understanding of Tag Rugby and demonstrating the necessary skills at a high level. The lower primary children managed to get up to proper games by the fifth and sixth week which is a great achievement. I look forward to seeing the children in April for their next block of coaching."
Hard fought game as U14s play in wintery conditions.
Kirkwall Grammar School u14s - 48, Stromness Academy u14s – 48
Saturday saw Stromness Academy host KGS in another u14s match, it was a cold day and a good turn-out of boys meant the teams were enlarged to allow everybody as much game time as possible and leaving nobody as a substitute to get cold.
Stromness in red kicked off the match, the ball was cleanly received by KGS in yellow allowing them to go on the offensive straight away, good handling and passing got the ball to Sam Croy who stepped around the outside of the Stromness team and score in the corner, he then converted his own try (7-0). Stromness kicked from the restart and once again were under pressure from the KGS back row, which with well-timed passes got the ball to James Nicolson allowing him to score only minutes after the first try, converted again by Sam (14-0). At the next restart Stromness played with more pace and force than before and they managed to make good breaks into the KGS half, moving the ball swiftly for rucks, Stromness found themselves only metres for the try line, a good break by Archie Porteouse gave him space in to corned, but two keen tackles were put in and the ball was dropped, the ball was taken back for a scrum to KGS, the scrum was won by Stromness who passed well and Connor Archibald managed to get the ball down for the try, the conversion was missed (14-5). KGS restarted the game determined to get more points on the board, the kick was well chased and some strong tackling saw the ball back in KGS hands. Sam Croy once again received the ball and charged towards the Stromness try line, poor tackling attempts failed to stop him as he dived over the line a further 2 times in the half, he converted both try’s (24-5). Again Stromness increased the tempo of the game and made good ground on each attacking run, as they moved down the pitch with good pace the KGS defenders found it hard to get back in time and Tyler Lewington ran in to score the try, the conversion was easily scored (24-12). KGS possibly feeling the effects of the cold were slower to chase the kick which gave Stromness time to set up a strong attacking position, after good running by Scott Smith the ball was passed to Craig Stevenson who put the ball down for the try (24-17).
At the beginning of the second half it was KGS’s turn to kick off, excellent chasing of the kick meant it was won back, and utilising there big players in the centre, James Nicolson broke away from the Stromness defenders and scored under the posts, the conversion sailed over (31-17). Stromness kicked off again but the ball went straight into the KGS hands who, with well-timed passing a poor tackling from Stromness managed to score again, the conversion missed (36-17), the next restart saw Stromness tap and pass the ball in order to give players a chance to run. Good ground was made but poor rucking after a tackle was made lost the ball is it went back into KGS hands. A good sidestep then pass by Arjun Pankhania got the ball Sam Croy who again managed to make half the pitch to score in the corner, the conversion fell short (41-17) Stromness played well after the restart and got deep into the KGS half, a good tackle stopped the attack, but the tackler not rolling away gave Stromness a penalty, A scrum was awarded to Stromness who won it, they’re scrum half, Mathew Rendall took the decision to run himself making more grounds before he was tackled short of the line, Robbie Drever was in support and picked the ball up, after powering his way through 2 KGS defenders he fell on the line to score, the conversion missed (41-22). The next restart was KGS’s and they chased well immediately causing Stromness to panic as the ball was fumbled along the ground, advantage was played to KGS who used the ball well passing to the wings as they moved their way up the pitch, good tackling and ripping by Stromness awarded them the ball but a foot in touch gave a lineout to KGS, the line out was won by Stromness but a wild pass went straight to the ground as nobody knew who was supposed to get it, this was capitalised on by KGS who rush forwards to retrieve the ball, James Nicolson picked up the ball and using good hand-offs pushed away 3 separate defenders before scoring in the corner, the conversion was successful (48-22)
For the final third, there was a change in teams as players from both sides were mixed up to allow 2 Orkney teams a practice playing together. The restart was a red ball and a big effort was put in to chase the kick, good hard running from both sides saw the ball move about the pitch but it was Stromness, now playing as Orkney in red that showed their ability to adapt to the change with players swapping positions to allow the best outcome. The ball was shipped well through the hands giving players space to run on the wings, going around the old KGS team in yellow to score under the posts, the conversion missed (48-27). Yellows restarted with a tap and pass, charging into the Red team but excellent tackling by Griogair Morrison stopped them on the spot, the resulting ruck saw Reds win the ball and pass to Scott Smith who charged through several players before being tackled, but he quickly picked the ball back up and continued the attack on to score under the posts, it was quickly converted by Craig Stevenson (48-34). A tap restart was taken again but more good tackling put players back, good rucking won the yellows the ball and a well-timed step saw them racing toward the line again, but an unfortunate forward pass gave the ball back to Reds who kicked to touch, the resulting line out was won by the reds who surged forwards again, passing across the line and giving the ball to Connor Crawford who swerved around the defenders to score next to the posts, the conversion was attempted and went over (48-41). Yellows kicked to restart this time and chased it well into the Red half, but fumbling the ball resulted in a knock on and gave Reds a scrum, good hooking won the yellows the ball back and they attacked again passing the ball wide. One pass was dropped and the reds quickly picked up on this, diving on the ball. Scott smith rucked well and drove 2 players off the ball, it was then picked up again by James Nicolson who broke past 3 defenders to score under the posts, after the conversion was successful it make the score 48-48 and also marked the end of the game. Other top performers on the day were Euan Humphreys, Douglas Murray and Liam Rendall. Well done to these boys for playing well and always being involved.
A well contested game from both sides which gave a good, competitive game of rugby even with poor weather conditions. Thank you to all the coaches who attended and helped with the match.
Special mention to Tyler Mackenzie who picked up the top trainer award for the first part of the season.
Next training session will be on Saturday 7th January at Orkney rfc, 10am
Club Development Officer Bruce Ruthven said;
"We are very grateful for the support from RBS and look forward to continued strong relations."
Stromness Academy turns tables on Kirkwall Grammar School
Last Saturday saw KGS under 14s make the trip to Stromness for their latest fixture with the west boys on a day where conditions were perfect for running rugby. The Academy were well prepared and had a large squad of players to choose from which was an advantage that would prove pivotal over the KGS boys who travelled with only seventeen players.
Play consisted of three periods of play that were twenty minutes each. The academy started strong with tries from Scott Smith & Craig Stevenson with replies by KGS from James Nicolson and Fergus Macivor. The scrum and line-outs were held strong by both teams with possession spread equally by both packs of forwards. In the broken play academy players Connor Archibald, Archie Porteous, Craig Stevenson, Tyler Lewington and Robbie looked dangerous when they got the ball whilst Fergus Macivor, James Nicolson, Jordan Basford made decisive runs for kGS. Some hard tackling particularly from James Nicolson and Scott Smith set the bar for commitment throughout the game which was a narrow affair from start to finish with end to end action.
Further scorers for SA were Connor Archibald, Tyler Lewington, Drew Clark, Scott Smith, Robbie Drever with Craig Steven scoring seven conversions. Further KGS scorers were James Nicolson, Sam Croy and Gregg Scott with Fergus adding five conversions. Final score 52 – 50 in favour of Stromness Academy.
Man of the Match went to James Nicolson for his hard tackling and series of tries in his first season of competitive rugby.
Last Friday, 21st October saw the Orkney RFC October training day take place at Orkney rugby club. The training day was a great success seeing 50 Primary 1-3s and 41 Primary 4-7s turn up to take part.
The Primary 1-3s session took place in the morning from 10-12 and was held on the astro turf behind the pickaquoy centre. The two hour session consisted of various fun activities which all the players enjoyed, this included: a tag bulldogs station, a stadium ball station, agility and assault course station and a stuck in the mud station. Each station lasted about 10 minutes and had groups of between 12 and 13 on at a time, after all the stations had been completed relay races where held between the teams.
Click here for more photos
The Primary 4-7s session took part in the afternoon between 1-3 pm and was held partly on the astro turf and partly on the back pitch behind the rugby club. There were 5 stations set up, each with a different activity related to different skills. The stations included: tag stuck in the mud, stadium ball, an assault course, agility course and a hand catch exercise. Once these were done they moved onto the back pitch for full contact rugby games, each being 30 minutes. The contact games were played with boys and girls who were willing to take part and were well played considering the wet, muddy conditions.
Orkney U16s 29 Heriots 15
Premiership club Heriots toured Orkney last week with two games against the isles boys in what promised to be a fantastic occasion for both clubs. The first game took place on Thursday 20th on a lovely afternoon which was conducive to running rugby on a great looking pitch at Pickaquoy.
Both teams started off nervously with a errors inflicting play by knock-ons and poor passing but both teams quickly blew away their cobwebs and put on a great game. It was Orkney with the wind at their backs that applied all of the early pressure through dominant tackling by the forwards and astute kicking by the backs keeping Heriots pinned down. The first try from Orkney came from Ben Sutherland who crashed over in the right over after 12 minutes ably converted by Cammy MacConachie (7-0). It was then the turn of the Heriots power in the scrum to take one against the head and catch the Orkney defence sleeping to score in the top left hand corner, the conversion was missed (7-5). Orkney spurned back into action straight from the kick off after a good chase by the backs to put pressure on the heriots winger who spilled the ball forward to give the orkney boys a scrum in a good attacking position. Unfortunately the strong scrummaging by the Heriots pack turned the ball over but once again knocked the ball on when they tried to clear the ball into touch. The resulting Orkney scrum gave Jack Stout the opportunity to attack the blindside where he released Camerom MacConachie to go over in the corner, (12-5). Orkney started to get into their stride and apply further pressure through strong runs from Andrew Linklater, Chris Munson and Cameron Gray which resulted in Craig McLennan touching down just before half time, (17 - 5).
The second half started well for both teams with good running rugby and strong tackling from both teams but it was Heriots who took the first try of the second half after good handling which saw their winger touch down in the corner, (17-10) but orkney fought back and just had the edge in the loose due to David Porteous and Andrew Linklaters work rates and started to overwhelm the Heriots players with good support play and hard running which saw McLennan go over for his second try, (22-10). The next passage of play saw Orkney running out of defence by Ben Sutherland and making good ground until his pass found the Heriots centre who with good timing intercepted the pass and run into score from thirty yards untouched, (22-15). The final minute off play saw orkney back on the attack and after a strong run from Mclennan, David Porteous was in close suppport to go over under the sticks, MacConnachie converted, (29-15) which concluded the match.
A hard fought win by the Orkney boys which tested them in all areas. The boys should be proud of this win against strong opposition from Edinburgh who play a lot of competitive rugby with some players representing Edinburgh U16s.
BR