Following a convincing win for Orkneys first XV, the only internal league fixture of the weekend kicked off at Picky with Kirkwall playing host to the West. Conditions were good with a steady breeze blowing straight up the pitch. Both teams had limited numbers with only one substitute available, probably a result of the student players heading south for the winter.

It was Kirkwall who started more briskly and Rab Innes, recently returned from a shoulder injury,  opened the scoring  with Jon Tait confidently converting.
Indeed this was to be the shape of things to come and Kirkwall continued to dominate the first half with young Pansy Miller playing at No. 10 using the wind to his advantage and clearing lines well to put Kirkwall back in a positive up field position.  Good jumping in the lineouts by Stephen Kemp  combined with throws from the ‘retired’ Gary Coulthard allowed Kirkwall to keep possession and lead to further first half tries from Mark Flett and Pansy Miller, both conversions missed. Half time score Kirkwall 17 – West 0.

The West had clearly regrouped at half time and came out at the start of the second half the more determined side. Well timed aggressive running from ‘Satan’ began to gain yards and tested the Kirkwall backs tackling. This eventually paid off for ‘Satan’ when he opened the scoring for the West, however Stevie Link could not convert. After a sluggish first half the West now seemed prepared to take the game to Kirkwall. Further pressure through their forwards and good use of the boot by Stevie Link lead to a try from Gareth Davies , Stevie Link this time converting. The comeback now looked a possibility for the West as a flat Kirkwall were forced into action to maintain their lead. Kirkwall however clicked back into gear and a superb try from the halfway line by winger Mark Flett , playing only his third game, secured the win for Kirkwall and finished off any West resurgence. Full time score Kirkwall 22- West 12.

Best for the West were Robbie ‘Satan’ Stockan for his hard running, Stevie Link for his usual consistency and John Wishart. Worthy of mention for Kirkwall were Jon Tait for his well timed passing and pace onto the ball, Lee Thomson for his bouldering runs, Mark Flett on the wing scoring two tries and Kirkwall regular Stephen Kemp who was fired up for his last game before moving to Edinburgh. Thanks also to referee Fraser Mcnaughton.