Orkney left Stromness on the 16.45 boat from Stromness on the first of the three ferry trips to play Mull in the Scottish cup.  Injuries and holidays meant quite a few changes to the team, with five young boys coming into the squad for the first time.  There was also the return of Derek Sutherland (Stoff) to first team action.

Of the young boys Gary Kemp and John Tait went straight into the starting team on the wings.  While Rab Innes, David Leask and Eric Bruce were on the bench with Stoff.

Heavy over night rain and a few early showers meant the pitch was going to be heavy, however the skies brightened and showers stayed away for the match.  This allowed the unexpected arrival of the Orkney travelling support; Chairman Mike Girvan, Ollie Laughton and club sponsor Charlie Kemp, to do a low fly over before heading to the nearby landing slip.  If only Charlie could get a bigger plane for the team??? 

Orkney kicked off the game into the light breeze and Andy McGill was first to follow up to pressure the Mull ball catcher.  This good start allowed Orkney to stay in the Mull half until it looked like any scoring chance had gone when a knock – on gave Mull a scrum around the 10 meter line.  However, Neil Work took the ball against the head to allow McGill to pick up and put Al Watson into space, he supplied the finish to score under the posts, giving James Linklater an easy conversion.  Orkney were soon back on the attack and pressuring the Mull defence.  A penalty was won, but no chance of a quick tap so James again slotted the kick to give Orkney a 10 – 0 lead.

Orkney were not going to get everything their own way however when a penalty wide out on the 10 metre line was conceded, Mull opted for the posts and took the score back to 10 – 3.  Orkney went back on the attack and this time McGill broke clear to score under the posts, 17 – 3.  Then came one of the teams most awaited tries, when Kevin Pepper broke free from a maul and raced to the line for his first try for the firsts.  The conversion was again added to take the half time score 24 – 3. 

With the slight advantage of the breeze, Orkney should have gone straight on the attack, however unforced errors allowed Mull to start the scoring in the second half, with another well struck penalty landing on the cross bar and going over.  With all the subs coming on in various positions both at half time and soon afterwards, the team took a short period to settle, but were soon scoring again when Rodney released Erland Drever to score, conversion missed, score now 29 – 6.  Mull to their credit did not give up and not finding a way through the sound Orkney defence had to settle for a third and last penalty.  29 – 9. 

Orkney finished the game in control when Rodney again broke free and despite being caught short, managed to release Derek Sutherland who was not going to be stopped despite a good cover tackle, the conversion was added.  However the young boys were to have the last say in the game when John Tait was released and he finished with ease, John Deerness missed the conversion.

Overall Orkney deserved the win but made too many unforced errors, allowing the Mull team, who never gave up, to relieve the pressure.  The new boys showed up well, with David Leask tackling every thing that came his way, while Rab was solid in the scrum.  Gary Kemp made ground whenever he got the ball and John Tait finished his chance with a well taken try.  Erik Bruce lifted well in the line out while also catching a missed Mull penalty attempt and safely touch down for an Orkney drop out.  Andy McGill was voted man of the match by his own team, while Rodney got the vote from the opposition.

With a bad weather forecast the Orkney boys decided an early night was in order and left Lochaber about 6am on the Sunday morning to catch the midday boat, the sixth and final ferry crossing of the weekend.

This weekend sees a return to league action with the visit of Alloa.  It looks like they are coming up by boat and staying the night, so expect a 3pm kick off, but still to be confirmed.  A big home support would be welcomed on only our second home game of the season.