Alloa 8, Orkney 10

Orkney travelled down to Alloa for a 3pm KO on Saturday for their first away game of the season looking to build on last week’s home victory.  With a few players not available due to work commitments, injury or a new daughter there were a few changes to the side.

Rambo returned to the back row after injury and James Linklater Snr came in to the centre to replace Trevor Spence.  Dave Campbell was at full back while Kevin Pepper came from Aberdeen to cover forwards and backs.

Alloa kicked off the first half with Orkney playing into the sun and slight breeze.  Alloa were on the attack early on but Orkney were defending well until the Alloa centre sidestepped James Linklater who stuck out a reflex straight arm, which unfortunately caught the Alloa centre around the neck.  It certainly stopped him but resulted in an Alloa penalty and a 10-minute rest for James.  Alloa 3-0.

Soon after with Alloa looking to use the extra man to their advantage Orkney were defending and trying to clear their lines when after a clearance kick Al Watson was tackled late and the referee evened up the numbers the Alloa man taking a 10 minute rest.

With James back on Orkney had the extra man for a short time when disaster struck and after an Orkney mistake Alloa countered to score an unconverted try in the corner. Alloa 8 – 0.  Orkney were determined to get back into the game and tried to keep the ball alive to good effect making good ground which should have resulted in a try but unfortunately the final pass from Derek Sutherland was not held by Bryan Linklater only five yards out.  Orkney however kept on the attack after good pressure by Roger Hall forced the Alloa scrum half to miss the stand off and the ball went dead.  Soon after from an Orkney lineout Al Watson did a dummy scissors with Glen and a gap opened up allowing Al to score near the posts.  Roger converted to make it Alloa 8 – Orkney 7. 

Orkney were looking to build on this before half time but missed with 2 penalty attempts, half time 8 – 7.

With the sun on their backs and a slight breeze Orkney pinned Alloa into their own half for long periods in the second half.  Alloa seemed content to slow down possession and take every opportunity to stop play with numerous stoppages for injuries.  A dog was even released onto the pitch, which held up play 2, or 3 times before they eventually tied the dog up.  Orkney gained the lead with James Linklater scoring his first points for Orkney with a well-struck penalty, which turned out to be the winning points.

Orkney hung on for the victory despite a further interruption while a spectator was sent from the side of the pitch for what could only be described as friendly banter.  Orkney spectators are warned, only positive encouragement from the sidelines and no abuse aimed at the referee please.

The Orkney team were delighted with the away victory, which was a hard fought one, but I think well deserved.  Thanks must go to the players who travelled, some at short notice, especially Kevin Pepper who not only played on the flank and the centre but also managed to give a few boys a lift back to Aberdeen, while the team bus headed to Thurso.  With Andy McGill missing from the back row Garry Burton and Rambo took the opportunity to shine sharing the man of the match award, assisted by the impressive birthday boy Danny Bain, who had another good game. 

Another tough game at home this weekend against last years league winners Strathmore, will hopefully allow Orkney to build on the first 2 victories.   Kick off is likely to be 3pm with Strathmore staying up until Sunday, referee is scheduled to be Mervin Drever, who needs no advice from the sidelines.