Mackie Academy 41, Orkney 17
Orkney travelled down to Stonehaven to play Mackie academy FP’s in a return to league action after last weeks cup game. Kevin Sinclair and Garry Burton were both missing from the squad, due to rib injuries, while Derek Robb and Adam Towrie had work commitments. Veteran Stewart Spence returned to action along with the younger Dean Campbell, retaining his place in the squad, while new comer Andrew Cuddihy making his debut.
Mackie had to contact a local referee as the appointed ref failed to appear despite confirming his availability the night before. However it was good to see Orkney supporters on the side lines as the game kicked off just after 12.30pm.
Mackie started the stronger and soon scored the first of their seven tries out wide. Orkney then went on the attack and after some good play were stopped deep in the opposition half Mackie cleared to touch. However from the line out quick ball was fed by Hall to stand off Watson who executed a dummy scissors with McLellan and rounded the full back to score under the posts. James Linklater converted to give Orkney a 7 –5 lead. Linklater stretched this lead with a well struck penalty to take the score to 10 – 5.
Orkney were looking to build on this lead however errors allowed Mackie had other ideas. They managed to draw level with another unconverted try from a quickly taken penalty, the Orkney defence were caught off guard with their scrum half going over in the corner. Orkney regained the lead after a break by Linklater, he was stopped short but Erland Drever was up in support to power over between the posts giving Linklater the easiest of conversions. Just before half time Mackie again drew level with a converted try. Half time 17-17.
Dean Campbell came on for Robert Foubister at half time in the hope he could continue from his try scoring debut the week before. He again played well although chances were few and far between. Mackie had the advantage of the wind in the second half and kicked Orkney back, deep into their own half for long periods of the second half.
Orkney played some good rugby to make ground up field but too often lost possession in the contact situation allowing Mackie the chance to counter attack. They did this to great effect to add 4 unanswered tries in the second half. Their full back powering through the centre to score the best Mackie try of the day. Andrew Cuddihy made his debut and looked the part tackling well and also managed to make ground with the ball in hand. Dave Shearer replaced Rob Thomson to change this up front. Glen McLellan had to go off injured, suffering a dead leg, with about 15 minutes remaining causing a reshuffle in the backs. Linklater moving to stand off , Watson to centre and Foubister coming back on at full back.
No further scores saw a delighted Mackie team beat Orkney for the first time. Mackie 41 – Orkney 17. Derek Sutherland and Erland Drever worked hard in the front row to share the Man of the Match. Orkney were disappointed at the result on a day when things just didn’t quite go right. Mackie on the other hand picked the wrong day (from an Orkney point of view) to play their best rugby of the season. However this was a good hard, enjoyable game played by both teams in good spirit. This weekend Orkney hope to bounce back with a home game to Aberdeenshire, Kick off at Picky is 4pm.
