Panmure 5, Orkney 31

Orkney return to winning ways.

Orkney travelled down to Panmure to start the second half of the league.  A few more changes to the squad saw David Wild get his debut while John Tait and Patricio Lerou returned.  After a recent run of loses Orkney were keen to get back to winning ways and climb clear of the relegation zone. 

Orkney arrived in Panmure for the midday kick off on a perfect day for rugby, no wind or rain, if slightly damp underfoot.  From kick off Orkney went on the attack and were soon pressuring the home defence.  From an early infringement James Linklater started his perfect kicking display with an early penalty.  The large Panmure pack were looking to slow the game down and dominate up front.  Orkney’s pack however were more than up to the challenge repeatedly driving the home team back and turning over ball.

Soon Orkney built on their early lead with a break by Al Watson, going blind from the base of a ruck and rounded the full back to score.  Linky added the conversion.  Soon after, when the home team did pass the ball outside the stand off, the Orkney centres tackled their opposite men and the Orkney forwards were first to secure the ball.  Rob Thomson set off down the pitch covering nearly 50 metres before being caught just short but had the ability to off load to Brian Inkster who was well up in support to get his first try for Orkney, again Linklater added the extra’s.  17 – 0.  The only time Panmure looked like scoring was from driving mauls but Orkney’s defence stood firm not allowing Panmure back into the game. 

Scott Milne was next on the score sheet with a well finished try, the ball spun wide and Scott managed to beat the 2 or 3 covering men to score.  Linky converted.  David Wild came on for Scott for his debut and played like he’d had years of experience tackling anything that came near although didn’t get to much chances in attack.  Rodney Spence was then determined to get in on the act and made inroads into the Panmure defence, when stopped he had little option to pass to Linky who picked the ball of his toes and went over in the corner.  Again he converted to give Orkney a 31 – 0 lead at half time.

Orkney were looking to extent this lead in the second half, however Panmure had other ideas and their forwards seemed happy to play 10-man rugby.  Orkney repeatedly managed to not only stop these attacks but also turned over ball allowing the backs to clear.  The unfortunate Patricio had pulled a muscle in the warm up and was not able to take the field, however Scott had recovered and came on to finish the game.  Despite excellent defence the Panmure pack eventually managed to score in the last play of the game to give Orkney a well-deserved 31-5 win.

The whole team played well, which showed in the man of the match votes with 11 different players getting at least a vote.  However Steven Paterson won the award after a good game at number 8.  His fellow back rowers of Stewart and Brian also got votes after putting in a good display not only in defence but also of supporting the backs especially in the first half.

This weekend there is no competitive game for the firsts due to the Scotland V Australia game.  However for those first team squad players who are fit and available there will be a training session at 12.30, followed by the viewing of the international in the club.  A good turnout is requested to go over games plans etc as it’s vital that everyone knows what’s happening especially as the team is changing most weeks.  Alloa are due up on December 2 for what is sure to be a close fought league encounter where Orkney will be looking to do the double over them after a hard fought victory there earlier in the season.